Peter Kolb

Kolb, Peter, 1675-1726.

The present state of the Cape of Good Hope: or, A particular account of the several nations of the Hottentots: their religion, government, laws, customs, ceremonies, and opinions; their art of war, professions, language, genius, &c. Together with a short account of the Dutch settlement at the cap ... London : W. Innys, 1731.

Kolb, a secretary to the privy councillor of Frederick, King of Prussia, was sent to the Cape to make astronomical observations, and stayed at the Colony for eight years, returning in 1713. Aware of the conflicting information promulgated by many Europeans, he recorded his voyages in part to "oblige the learned and curious part of the world with a useful and entertaining history of a country and people, of whom we have had hitherto such various and uncertain accounts." The first volume of this English translation focuses on the Hottentot (Khoi) people, describing their manners and customs in great detail and illustrated by numerous engravings. Natural history forms the subject of the second volume, and is equally detailed.