The Gold fields of South Africa by Dennis Edwards & Co.
Published in 1890, this book provides a “mine” of information on mining and business in the barely four-year old city.
Sir Joseph Benjamin Robinson, 1st Baronet (3 August 1840 – 30 October 1929) was a South African mining magnate and Randlord. This is one of the pictures of famous people included in the book.
60-stamp battery of the Langlaagte Estate and Gold Mining Co. Ltd
Juta and Company (Pty) Ltd is the oldest publishing house in South Africa. It was founded over 160 years ago. Many companies placed their advertisements in this book. Some, like Juta’s still exist, others have disappeared and are forgotten. The researcher interested in the history of business in Johannesburg will find much of value
The book contains an alphabetical list of gold mining company directors
The gold mining companies that were in existence in 1890. Many have disappeared or been incorporated by other companies
An example of the prospectuses included in the book. The Standard Bank of South Africa was the first bank in Johannesburg, arriving a month after the city’s founding. Anyone interested in Johannesburg’s mining history will find this section valuable.
An interesting illustration of a rare event. Note use of candles
