The book follows the usual format for these type of works, looking at the history of the region in the years leading up to the war of 1879. This sets the scene for a conflict that shouldn't have happened were it not for the ambition of certain individuals and the failure of a colonial system that inevitably ceded regional governors a lot more independence that the government back home would probably have liked.
Like so many of the books on this short lived war I often found myself lividly wanting to shout at the idiots in charge through the pages. While Saul David writes with professional detachment (as all good historians should) the blinding stupidity of some of the players in this tragedy still leap off the pages. Lord Chelmsford is clearly shown to have been criminally responsible for the tragedy at Isandlwana but there is plenty of blame to go around as various senior officers including Colonels Glyn & Pulleine ignored common sense and military experience in the face of an enemy that was desperate, determined and fighting on their own land.
Zulu: Heroism and Tragedy of the Zulu War is a scholarly work in the quality of the research presented, much of it new, but it is also a very readable book. I found myself avidly approaching each chapter wondering what would happen next, and even after reading lots of books on this war there was still room for new revelations. I'd always recommend reading a range of books on any period of history to get a rounded view of events and I would definitely recommend adding this book to any reading list related to the Zulu war.
Paperback: 528 pages
Publisher: Penguin; Reprint edition (2005)
Language: English
Language: English
I shall certainly add this to my list to read. I enjoyed Saul David's novel, Zulu Hart as a bit of light relief, but I understand that there are those out there that would question his research. That said, always good to get a different perspective and few would question the stupidly of some of the decisions made on that fateful day in 1879.
ReplyDeleteIt's always worth reading a range of books to get different perspectives and to compare 'facts' from one historian to another. To be fair, Saul David does seem to go to great lengths to explain his sources when he diverges from traditionally accepted truths. I particularly liked this book because Saul David is a good communicator and the book was no only interesting and comprehensive it was, above all, enjoyable to read.
DeleteOne of the joys of historical gaming is getting into the actual history of the period. It’s great when the books available are good reads as well. π
ReplyDeleteOver the years I have struggled through far too many books by well respected historians that were just dry, boring and virtually unreadable as a result. Whats the point in knowing your stuff if everyone falls asleep when you try to communicate what you have learned! Historian like Saul David or Mary Beard know their stuff and can transmit their enthusiasm for the subject through the pages to the reader. I guess what I'm saying is that what I want from a history book is to be entertained as well as enlightened!
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