Containing an Historial View of its original Settlement by the Dutch; its Capture by the British in 1795, and the different Policy pursued there by the Dutch and British Governments. Also a Sketch of its Geography, Productions, the Manners and Customs of the Inhabitants, &c. &c. With a View of the Political and Commercial Advantages which might be derived from its possession by Great Britain. First edition. 4to. Contemporary blue calf, elaborately gilt, bookplate to front pastedown, some scattered light foxing. xii, 339pp. London, 1804.
A handsome copy.
Percival spent only a total of four months at the Cape in 1796 and 1801 and yet produced a work full of information highlighting the state of the Colony around the turn of that century. His dim view of the Dutch government prompts him to stress the value of the Cape as a British possession. Mendelssohn II, p152; Theal, p232.
