Zulu
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Saul David’s Zulu: The Heroism and Tragedy of the Zulu War of 1879 is a fascinating look at the most controversial and brutal British imperial conflict of the nineteenth century.
The real story of the Anglo-Zulu war was one of deception, dishonour, incompetence and dereliction of duty by Lord Chelmsford who invaded Zululand without the knowledge of the British Government. But it did not go to plan and there were many political repercussions. Using new material from archives in Britain and South Africa, Saul David blows the lid on this most sordid of imperial wars and comes to a number of startling new conclusions.
‘Saul David’s brilliant and magisterial account must now be regarded as the definitive history of the Zulu War’ Frank McLynn, Literary Review
‘This meticulously detailed book…give[s] a fully rounded and judicious account of this dismal conflict Guardian
‘Fascinating, thrilling, convincing… reads like a novel’ Economist
Saul David is Professor of War Studies at the University of Buckingham and the author of several critically acclaimed history books, including The Indian Mutiny: 1857 (shortlisted for the Westminster Medal for Military Literature), Zulu: The Heroism and Tragedy of the Zulu War of 1879 (a Waterstone’s Military History Book of the Year) and, most recently, Victoria’s Wars: The Rise of Empire.
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Additional information
| Publisher | Penguin, Reprint edition (28 July 2005) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Paperback | 528 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0141015691 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0141015699 |
| Dimensions | 13.1 x 3.2 x 19.8 cm |
by daveyboy
An excellent read thoroughly enjoyed it cannot wait to read more books by the Author Saul David if they are half as good as this book
by Bigyin
Paperback book. A great story, excellently told.
The lesson learned – the `system ` always wins. Still does.
by Richard Catlin
There are few people who have not heard of Rorkes Drift; most will have heard of Isandlwana. However, very few will know how they are related to the main events of the 1879 Zulu War. What a stunning story is revealed by this narrative: the heroes who deserved that accolade and those who did not; the victims not only of bloody fights to the death but also those who were the victims of political intrigue – including the Zulus themselves. The politicians, the Generals, the Reigning Monarch and her family the cavalry and the poor bloody infantry. Farce builds on incredible self interest with the necessary and relevant inclusion in this story of the death of the heir to the French empire. His death at the hands of the Zulu is pure theatre complete with a scapegoat who reveals the depth of hypocrisy and privilege in Victorian England. You couldn’t make it up……
by the_bald_man
This is an exceptionally well written study of the Zulu War. Enlightening, engaging and supported by peerless research, this is a superb work of military history.
by Joe S
There’s something about South Africa I find fascinating. The last Wild West I suppose, even to this day in many ways.
I enjoyed this book, I got a real sense of the harshness of the country in those days for settlers and the ineptitude of the British commanders involved in the early war.
I liked the discussion on the cover ups and the politics behind the empire; the boys club looking out for eachother. No different from today’s Eton-educated politicians really!
What was great was that I was expecting this to be written solely from a British perspective because I assumed that the Zulu in those days may not have made written records. But the first chapter explains Zulu history and military tactics etc. Throughout the book the Zulu point of view is mentioned as much as possible.
Highly recommended.
by colin hanna
I have read many books on this subject, both factual and fictional, and this one is the best of all of them. The confidence you get from the obvious great research using common soldiers an officers letters that are woven into the various battles is second to none. I learned so much from this book about the many examples of true heroism and cowardice from this war that it makes you wish a new film or TV series could be made to revisit previous versions as this one is the most enlightening it could possibly be. Definitely a new fan of the author.
by D. Hopper
Well written and intriguing, David’s insights into the motivations of the key players is fascinating. Durnford’s reputation and the blame he posthumously took for Isanslwana wasn’t fully proven until the 1960s.Questions are asked about the heroism of Melville and Coghill at Fugitives Drift (were they just running away?). Chard and Bromhead are dealt with sympathetically but with honesty and Dalton finally gets the credit he deserves. Those who love the film ‘Zulu’ may be disappointed to discover that Rourke’s Drift was largely inconsequential and the eleven VC’s awarded a massive over-reaction but the Zulu Wars were actually far more interesting and indicative of the attitudes of the Victorians than has previously been told.
by roderick j
Good read recommended