The Rhodes University Cory library recently launched two new books through its Eastern Cape Reprints initiative. The main aim of this initiative is to promote a culture of reading and to preserve the history and heritage of the Eastern Cape.
The two books that were launched on 31 January 2011 are Ibali lamaMfengu and A South African contribution to Materia Medica. These publications focus on the history of black people in the Eastern Cape and on the use and benefits of indigenous medicinal plants.
The project was started two years ago when Cory Library took over sales of The Prophetic Nun, a book written by Prof Guy Butler and, with permission, used the revenue to fund a new series of books.
The Eastern Cape Reprints initiative makes available reprints of scarce and unobtainable books. Prof Jeff Peires, Head of Cory Library, believes that “there is a need for these books to be made available again” and that people can use them in their daily lives, such books as: A contribution to South Africa Materia Medica.
What makes these books so special is that “they were important in their time” and they also have “lasting value” because they are unobtainable anywhere else in the country or even the world. Prof Peires goes on to explain that there is a market for these historical books – it might not be in the best sellers’ category, but certainly nurtures a steady and ongoing flow of readers.
Specific criteria are used when selecting books to be reprinted through this project. Then, once a book has been selected, an editor (generally an expert in the field) adds a new introduction highlighting the important aspects of the text. The expert also edits the text to make sure it is up to date on subsequent relevant research.
Cory Library is planning to reprint more books through its Eastern Cape Reprints initiative in the near future. A book about the St Georges Cathedral in Grahamstown will be next in line.
According to Prof Peires, Cory Library wants “the people of Grahamstown, especially those who are non-Rhodians to feel part of this heritage and history”. The library is thus encouraging the people of Grahamstown and Eastern Cape communities to join the “Friends of Cory Library” initiative and to volunteer to enhance the participation and involvement of the local communities with the Cory Library.
Readers who would like to sign up as volunteers or become involved at the Library or who are looking for more information can visit the website www.ru.ac.za/corylibrary.
Photo:
From left to right: Mike Schramm (publisher), Tony Dold (editor)
holding the new edition of "South African Materia Medica" by Andrew Smith.