About Us

The House of Emslie is a niche publisher of books, mainly of historical, sometimes culinary, interest by South African writers. Our authors have written with such excellence and authenticity that they deserve to be kept in print and on contemporary bookshelves in modern, attractive editions that mirror the excellence of their contents.

Several of our publications contain illustrations that were not available when prior editions were published. These have been obtained from family members and from other sources not hitherto available.

Our publications enable South Africans and visitors to this country, alike, to enjoy insights into the rich history of this land from authors who have stood the test of time, and who have captured brilliantly what Jan Smuts called ‘the wonderful romance of South Africa’.

For example, South African artist Alex Emsley has said the following about Deneys Reitz’s trilogy: ‘Adrift on the Open Veld is the best book I’ve ever read. … The whole world should read it.’

Several of our books are available in the United Kingdom from contactus@centralbooks.com.