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DateOriginal Topic
5th June 2002Definitive books.
By Brian Tate
I am new to this fascinating site (my second visit) but have had a long-term interest in the Zulu Wars, particularly Rorke's Drift and Isandhlwana. This was probably initiated by my compulsory attendance at a showing of `Zulu' as part of my basic training in the Australian Army in the mid 1960s during the Vietnam War. I suppose the purpose of screening the movie for us young national service recruits was purely motivational. I certainly saw no tactical value to be gained from the film; mealie bags and thin red lines wouldn't work to well against the dreaded Viet Cong I thoght! However. My reason for this post is to stir up some discussion on opinions as to the definitive publsihed work on the 2 actions I mention above. By `definitive' I suppose I mean the one (or more) thought to be most readable and accurate on each battle. Thanks for a great site.
DateReplies
5th June 2002Gary Laliberty
Well, if you want to know about the Zulu people...there is no better book...in 'my' opinion then "The Washing of the Spears" by Donald R. Morris. "Part One" of the book is about the Zulu people and in "Part Two" it goes into the coming of the war and the war with the British. With 'good' accounts of the battles of Rorke's Drift and Isandlwana.
Gary
5th June 2002Martin Everett
Dear Brian,
Probably one of the best accounts of Isandhlwana is by David Jackson and it is not expensive. Click on 'Shop
Best wishes
5th June 2002James Garland
Brian,
I think the best book on Rorke's Drift so far is "Nothing Remains but to Fight" by Ian Knight. It explains the battle, is well illustrated and is well researched. I would start with almost any book by Ian Knight on the subject then if you want to get more detail go to books such as Holmes "The Noble 24th"
Ian Knight wrote an excellent book on the Zulu War as a whole called " Brave Mens Blood" and a book covering Isandhlwana and Rorkes Drift called "The sun turned black"
Finally if you want to read about Isandhlwana and Rorkes Drift from the letters of the participants have a look at my web site "Victorian Voices". Its on http://www.btinternet.com/~Albiecat .
I hope Alan won't mind the blatant plug.
6th June 2002Brian Tate
Thans all for the above comments. I will be visiting the book shop for a couple of those titles mentioned
6th June 2002Julian Whybra
David Jackson's definitive account is about to be updated/extended by the publication of his book solely on Isandhlwana in a month or so. Keep your eyes peeled.
8th June 2002Ian
Brian,
You have no idea what you may have just started with that question.............
8th June 2002Dave Nolan
Brian

Washing of the Spears is a really readable account of the conflict - but a lot more research has been done on the Zulu War since it was researched and published almost 40 years ago.

I concur with James above - Ian Knight's books are always informative and readable - the ones I have bought direct from his website, linked to from the links page on this site, he has been kind enough to personalise by signing them for me.

Dave
9th June 2002edmund coan
Purely a ;personal opinion, but I think Frank Emery's 'The Red Soldier' is the a really informative and poignant book on the Zulu War - as it's based on letters largely from non-officer ranks. Published in 1977 by Hodder & Stoughton, so now only available second-hand.
11th June 2002Alan Critchley
Dave, technical point:
book details are supplied by us but (apart from the Red Book), are not sold by us.

Alan
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