Out there from David Jackson

I've written to David Jackson's sole legal heir regarding certain items belonging to David he had boxed up in his possession.  I haven't had a reply from him and fear I may not get one.  I thought I'd let members know of this so that they can keep an eye on sale rooms, auctions, etc.
David had about 200 copies of Hill of the Sphinx, all boxed up, which he intended to donate to Brecon for it to sell.  He wasn't able to make that donation so where are they now...?  I hope not in a skip.
He also had all his notebooks from 1955 till now which he also intended to donate to Brecon and never did.
He also hand-drew a copy of Hamer's map from TNA of the movements on the plateau on the 22nd.  The original vanished from TNA many years ago.  I had sight of this once in the 90s but cannot recall any of its detail.  I always intended making a photocopy but never got round to it.  There's a moral there somewhere.  David's copy will be the only copy known but where is it now?
Lastly and most importantly, David had a copy of the original H coy 1/24th photograph.  He'd asked the museum for a copy back in the 50s and he had the copy made himself (the original was borrowed by Stanley Baker and never returned).  It was a duplicate in size of the original which was like a school photo about 3 feet long.  I saw it just once and what struck me was that you could see all the faces very clearly.  From this David had 3 smaller copies made, each a foot long, one of which he gave to IK, one to me, and one to the museum.  I am unaware whether he had any more made later on.  But where is that full-size copy of the original now...who knows?

Thank you for this Julian. Fingers crossed you get a reply. I must confess that before I joined the forums I'd never heard of "Hill of the Sphinx", but after it being recommended by several prestigious board members (yourself included I believe) I have thought of reading nothing else. Unfortunately my inquiries to any local (and not so local) antique and second hand book shops have come to naught.

I heard today from his heir who is going slowly through packed-up boxes of David's books and papers and will let me know if he discovers any Hill of the sphinx and the important missing items.
I'll keep the forum posted.

Good News Julian, in particular i hope the Hamer map is located, that is such an important document.

Julian Whybra wrote:

I've written to David Jackson's sole legal heir regarding certain items belonging to David he had boxed up in his possession.  I haven't had a reply from him and fear I may not get one.  I thought I'd let members know of this so that they can keep an eye on sale rooms, auctions, etc.
David had about 200 copies of Hill of the Sphinx, all boxed up, which he intended to donate to Brecon for it to sell.  He wasn't able to make that donation so where are they now...?  I hope not in a skip.
He also had all his notebooks from 1955 till now which he also intended to donate to Brecon and never did.
He also hand-drew a copy of Hamer's map from TNA of the movements on the plateau on the 22nd.  The original vanished from TNA many years ago.  I had sight of this once in the 90s but cannot recall any of its detail.  I always intended making a photocopy but never got round to it.  There's a moral there somewhere.  David's copy will be the only copy known but where is it now?
Lastly and most importantly, David had a copy of the original H coy 1/24th photograph.  He'd asked the museum for a copy back in the 50s and he had the copy made himself (the original was borrowed by Stanley Baker and never returned).  It was a duplicate in size of the original which was like a school photo about 3 feet long.  I saw it just once and what struck me was that you could see all the faces very clearly.  From this David had 3 smaller copies made, each a foot long, one of which he gave to IK, one to me, and one to the museum.  I am unaware whether he had any more made later on.  But where is that full-size copy of the original now...who knows?

Julian any up-date on books that were going to be donated.

Hi
I'll update you generally. I've been in contact with his heir who lives on the other side of England from me. He DOES indeed have David's books and notes, all boxed up in his garage. I had arranged to drive across and go through them with him - but then covid struck. Each time we've postponed my visit to when we thought travel constraints/lockdowns might be eased but each time covid has prevented it. At the moment he is keeping the boxes safe for me to see (I have first viewing after the family - and they're not interested in the AZW) so I simply have to be patient and wait - something we're all very good at now. I shall report back AFTER I've actually been there.

Thanks Julian. Can you put my name on one.

If they are still there and once I know the family's wishes and whether David left any instructions, yes, of course I will.

Once again thank you for the update Julian. I too look forward to your next update and will be keeping a keen eye on the forums.

Cheers again!

Erimus

If they do come up for sale I too would like to register my interest after lots of searching, thank you and fingers crossed...

Noted!

I'm also interested in a copy of both HOTS and the Hamer map!

Again noted!

As people seem to be registering an interest now rather than later add me to the list please - be safe atb Tim

OK

Could could you show me down for a copy of Hamer's map please.
I also would be grateful if you can let me know if there is anything new about Alan in all those boxes.
Thanks Julian
Kate

Please assume that if I shall respond appropriately at a future post-lockdown date if you leave a message here.

Any up-date on this book. I have been checking the most popular sites for Zulu war books. Still nothing.

Not yet I'm afraid. No news.

Very late to this party I see, but if and when there is any news would be very grateful to be informed if any books are available. Cheers

BL

Forum member 90th has a copy for sale I believe.

Hi all

I'm in the process of sorting my book collection out and I have a signed copy of Hill of the Sphinx if there is still interest?
As to the price I have no idea. I'm open to offers

Cheers

Hi Ciroferrara.
I sent you a PM
90th

There’s a copy on EBay at present.

JY

I've arranged to pick up some things from David's nephew on 22nd July. I should have more news then.

Brilliant Julian! I look forward to your update

Just to let everyone know that I picked up David's voluminous notes, notebooks, files, letters on the 22nd and for the past week have had a cursory look through all of them. I haven't opened every envelope and read every notebook - I just wanted to get a handle on what was there. I'll now start to go through them carefully and keep a lookout for certain things I know were there (though apparently a lot was thrown out incl. some papers that the mice had got at).
There are a number of Hill of the Sphinx there - as pristine as the day they came from the publisher. I've taken some soundings as to their current value from various forum members and others and intend to make these available at a VERY reasonable price. I know that's what David would have wanted. So, if you want one, please pm me.
He left me his library which contains many volumes already in my possession. I'll compile a list and make these available as well so that they are used to good effect.
As for his notebooks, photos and papers I shall go through these and ultimately give them to Brecon for all to use. We were working on an essay together when he died, with his part unfinished. I need to find his notes and thoughts on this to see his intentions and then complete it myself.
In the mean time I have everything safe in my possession.