The Abundant Herds (2003 First Edition)

The Abundant Herds (2003 First Edition) is one of the most important modern Africana works on Nguni cattle and the culture of the Zulu people. Written by Marguerite Poland and David Hammond-Tooke and beautifully illustrated by renowned South African wildlife artist Leigh Voigt, this substantial volume celebrates the unique place of cattle within Zulu society.

The Abundant Herds (2003 First Edition) explores the economic, ceremonial and spiritual significance of Nguni cattle, explaining the meanings of coat patterns, horn shapes and cattle names, and showing how these animals are woven into Zulu oral tradition, praise poetry and identity. Leigh Voigt’s superb paintings and drawings make this one of the most visually striking South African cultural books of recent decades.

As a true 2003 first edition from Fernwood Press, The Abundant Herds (2003 First Edition) has additional appeal for collectors of Africana, South African history, Zulu studies and Leigh Voigt material. Despite the wear to the jacket and fading to the boards, it remains an attractive and desirable large-format hardcover that is becoming increasingly difficult to find.

Condition – Good

First edition, 2003. Dust jacket is moderately worn with chipping, tears and damage to the extremities, particularly at the head and tail of the spine. The cream cloth boards are heavily faded along the top edges and the top of the spine is damaged. Internally the book remains clean and presentable.