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Folio, (390 x 266mm), Nos. 1-152, November 1st 1899 to May 31st 1900 with explanation for the unissued number 56 present - 'The cause of this omission was one of those shells….' (210x105mm) tipped-in. Printed on various papers & colours, including pink, brown and blue - & various sizes, with No. 35 only with small loss to bottom corner. The preface leaf followed by a single leaf printed on both sides - '[Published by Desire]. Every endeavour has been made to ensure accuracy etc. & list of Bechuanaland Rifles, Town Guard, Railway Division & return of Town Guard to the verso, followed by Siege Slips'. Preface leaf creased, occasional tears without loss due to the poor quality of the paper. Army & Navy Club armorial bookplate pasted to front pastedown endpaper with shelf location & 'Presented by Capt. Johnston-Saint' in ink to head of bookplate. The bookplate probably of Capt. P. Johnston-Saint of the Indian Army, 1886-1974 who later assisted The Wellcome Institute. Bound in quarter morocco, cloth boards, gilt lettered, cloth boards marked & bottom inch of spine torn away & spine starting to split, however sound & tight with the contents although fragile in very good condition. Mendelssohn 967. The Preface explains the circumstances of the production of the Slips under siege conditions with the hits and near misses on their offices. The relationship between the Publisher and Editor and the Military Authorities was precarious, with Whales being briefly imprisoned for quarrelsome criticism of the conduct of the siege, however Townshend and Whales clearly recognised the curiosity value of their publication and proceeded to create a business out of what was initially done for community benefit. Seller Inventory # 1286
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