Overview

The battle of Isandlwana on 22 January 1879 was one of the most dramatic episodes in military history. In the morning, 20,000 Zulus overwhelmed the British invading force in one of the greatest disasters ever to befall a British army. Later the same day, a Zulu force of around 3,000 warriors turned their attention to a small outpost at Rorke's Drift defended by around 150 British and Imperial troops. The British victory that ensued -against remarkable odds -would go down as one of the most heroic actions of all time. In this thrilling blow-by-blow account, Chris Peers draws on first-hand testimonies from both sides to piece together the course of the battles as they unfolded. Along the way, he exposes many of the Victorian myths to reveal great acts of bravery as well as cases of cowardice and incompetence. A brief analysis of the aftermath of the battle and notes on the later careers of the key participants completes this gripping expose of this legendary encounter. AUTHOR: Chris Peers is a leading expert on African colonial warfare and has written widely on the subject. His books include The African Wars: Warriors and Soldiers of the Colonial Campaigns and Warrior Peoples of East Africa 1840-1900. He has also contributed many articles to military history, wargaming and family history magazines. He has an MA in History from Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and has travelled extensively in Africa.

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9781784387563

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Reviews

...the author has drawn on first-hand testimonies from both sides to pen reconstructions of how the battles unfolded and links between them. He also debunks some Victorian myths as he uncovers examples of confusion, incompetence and courage. -- Toy Soldier Collector & Historical Figures By breaking down the events into a chronological minute-by-minute ordering interspersed with analysis of the situation as it develops, the book achieves a tremendous level of pacing and tension. At times there is a page turning quality to the book more akin to the reading experience one enjoys with a good thriller. This is unique in a historical account, and adds quite a bit of entertainment value to the educational experience. -- Globe at War Chris Peers provides a superb chronological account of the disastrous British defeat at Isandlwana and the heroic defense of Rorke's Drift...contains perfectly placed maps and photographs of the terrain and buildings just when the reader needs them the most. -- Military History Online

By breaking down the events into a chronological minute-by-minute ordering interspersed with analysis of the situation as it develops, the book achieves a tremendous level of pacing and tension. At times there is a page turning quality to the book more akin to the reading experience one enjoys with a good thriller. This is unique in a historical account, and adds quite a bit of entertainment value to the educational experience. -- Globe at War Chris Peers provides a superb chronological account of the disastrous British defeat at Isandlwana and the heroic defense of Rorke's Drift...contains perfectly placed maps and photographs of the terrain and buildings just when the reader needs them the most. -- Military History Online

Author Information

Chris Peers is a leading expert on African colonial warfare and has written widely on the subject. His books include The African Wars: Warriors and Soldiers of the Colonial Campaigns and Warrior Peoples of East Africa 1840 1900\. He has also contributed many articles to military history, wargaming and family history magazines. He has an MA in History from Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and has travelled extensively in Africa.

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