Old St. George’s – The Story of Cape Town’s First Cathedral, Limited Edition (One of 500 Copies)

A scarce and highly collectible limited-edition Cape Town history title, Old St. George’s – The Story of Cape Town’s First Cathedral by R. R. Langham-Carter was issued by A. A. Balkema in 1977 in a strictly limited print run of only 500 copies. Publications from Balkema are well regarded among collectors of South African heritage and architectural history, and the small limitation makes this volume especially desirable to specialists in Cape ecclesiastical and colonial history.

The book traces the origins, development, and cultural significance of St. George’s, offering detailed historical narrative supported by period research and illustrations. Its focus on one of Cape Town’s earliest religious landmarks provides valuable insight into the city’s architectural evolution, social history, and Anglican heritage, making it an appealing addition to collections centred on Cape Town, church history, or South African local studies.

Bound in the publisher’s distinctive red cloth with gilt detailing and accompanied by the original illustrated dust jacket, this example also retains its original dated purchase receipt from 1977, adding an extra layer of provenance for collectors seeking authentic limited-run South African publications.

Complete with original illustrated dust jacket. The jacket remains in fair condition overall, showing general handling wear and several small areas of damage, including a 4mm x 8mm hole near the lower right corner of the front panel, with additional minor surface marks and wear visible.

The book is bound in bright red cloth with gilt publisher’s device on the front board and gilt title, author, and publisher lettering to the spine. Boards remain presentable, though with noticeable edge wear and signs consistent with prior insect damage at the extremities. The top edge of the text block is dust stained, with a dirt mark visible to the fore edge.

Internally, the inner covers and endpapers show discoloration, and a prior ownership sticker is affixed to the front endpaper. Light foxing is present throughout. Binding remains sound and all pages are secure. This example is from the limited edition of 500 copies and is accompanied by the original dated purchase receipt (18/7/1977).