253mm x 355mm

Minor wear and staining to the wrappers; some folding and creased.

R800

(Rhodesian box 1, no2)

The Rhodesian Annual 1947 captures a historic high-water mark of British imperial sentiment and economic optimism in post-war Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).

Key Historical & Visual Aspects

• The 1947 Royal Tour: The imagery on the cover—drapes of the Union Jack, the British Royal Coat of Arms (Dieu et mon Droit), and Victoria Falls—directly celebrates the historic 1947 Royal Tour of Southern Africa by King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, and Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret. In April 1947, the Royal Family visited Southern Rhodesia, travelling by Royal Train to Bulawayo, Salisbury, and Victoria Falls, reinforcing imperial ties immediately following World War II.

• Symbolism of Victoria Falls & Wildlife: Signed by artist "R. E. Gregory," the artwork marries classic Rhodesian iconography—a kudu antelope standing before the mist of Victoria Falls—with overt imperial regalia. Victoria Falls was Southern Rhodesia's primary international tourist landmark and a centerpiece of the 1947 Royal Tour itinerary.

• Post-War Immigration & Economic Expansion: Published by the Rhodesian Printing & Publishing Company in Bulawayo, the 1947 edition documented the territory's rapid economic expansion driven by post-war British immigration, tobacco farming, and gold and chrome mining. Southern Rhodesia was positioning itself as the economic engine of Central Africa, leading toward discussions that formed the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland a few years later in 1953.