The Boer War Bibliophile Home Page

A page dedicated to those poor souls afflicted with Boer War Bibliomania.

Contents

  What is Boer War Bibliomania?

  Ron Hackett 

  South African War Books

  My favourite covers

  Unrecorded Publications "Not In Hackett"

  Links

What is Boer War Bibliomania?

The Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902 spawned a massive outpouring of published literature in the form of books, souvenirs, pamphlets, and other printed matter. To the enthusiast, these have a particular indefinable appeal which can stimulate an almost uncontrollable urge to acquire. The unique quality of many of these items is difficult to explain and this site will try to demonstrate some of the reasons for this mania and perhaps bring a fascinating subject to a new generation of collectors.

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Ron Hackett

Ron Hackett comes from a military background. He was born in India in 1939 and spent much of his early life in South Africa where the family settled after the war. Since the late fifties he has lived in Britain working as an illustrator and bookseller. He is the founding father of Boer War bibliomania and the author of the definitive work South African War Books.

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South African War Books

In 1994, after a prolonged gestation period and several false starts, South African War Books, An illustrated bibliography appeared. This privately printed book is the bible for all Boer War bibliophiles and is clearly a labour of love. The book is a fusion of beautifully reproduced photographs of Boer War book covers and a detailed bibliography of books published on the subject before 1914. Two areas not covered are fiction and non-English language publications.

Inevitably, as time passes, previously unrecorded items dubbed not in Hackett by the book trade, have surfaced and need recording in similar style. Some are recorded here.

 

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My Favourite Covers

The following links are to some of my personal favourites indexed but not illustrated in South African War Books, An illustrated bibliography.

 Paddington C.I.V. Souvenir

 The Absent Minded Beggar

 Thankful Tommy

 Sheffield At The Front

 British Boer War. An Historical and Pictorial souvenir

 Souvenir Of The N. S. W. Contingents on Active service

 The Theatre of War

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Not in Hackett

The Following list includes some of the items known to the author which are not in Hackett . I would welcome any information regarding other items for possible inclusion. Please email me.

 

 Queensland Government Official Publications

 History of the Boer War

 Antrim Artillery Souvenir Of The Boer War

 

Under Construction

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Links to other sites

Under Construction

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Last Revised: February 21, 2000