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Isandlwana for dummies
ciscokid


Joined: 01 Nov 2008
Posts: 54
Location: Plymouth, Devon
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Hi

Can anyone please recommend a book for a newbie to explain the battle - don't have to be too in-depth, I'm trying to get my head around the basics of the battle.

Many thanks
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Sawubona


Joined: 09 Nov 2005
Posts: 1179
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Hey Cisco (with a heavy Mexican accent for those who remember the series),

At risk of raising a hackle or two, I would suggest getting a copy of Morris's "The Washing of the Spears" as a first acquisition for any proposed Anglo-Zulu War library. In spite of his Eurocentric point of view and some of his "facts" having fallen from favor with contemporary research, it's still one of the best accounts of the rise of the Zulu nation under Shaka to it's "nadir" (his word) after the AZW. It's readily obtainable, inexpensive, easy reading, and can be opened to just about any chapter and enjoyed from that point on. Isandlwana is covered in two long chapters.

Mike Snook's scholarly book is as comprehensive as any you'll find (considerably more than most in fact) and an absorbing read to boot, but as an "introduction" might be a bit like learning to swim in the deep end of the pool. It's appeal is to the student whose interest in the AZW in general and Isandlwana in particular has gone a skosh beyond the "casual".
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Martin Everett


Joined: 01 Sep 2005
Posts: 786
Location: Brecon
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The cheapest available, is David Jackson's research on Isandlwana, republished at �2.50. See Museum Shop

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Martin Everett
Brecon, Powys
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ciscokid


Joined: 01 Nov 2008
Posts: 54
Location: Plymouth, Devon
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Hi Lads

Thanks for the info - I like cheapies and just bought David Jackson's book along with the DVD. I'll probably put Washing of the Spears onto my xmas list Wink
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Jamie


Joined: 01 Sep 2005
Posts: 149
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Osprey Books - Isandlwana 1879 - Ian Knight - Campaign

Simple and effective start for reading about the battle of Isandlwana!

Then move up to -

"How Can Man Die Better" - Lt Col Mike Snook
"Zulu Victory " - Mr Lock and Mr Quantrill

Regards,

Jamie

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Haydn Jones


Joined: 12 Jan 2006
Posts: 124
Location: Gloucester
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Yes, I agree Jamie, Ian Knight's Osprey publication, "Isandlwana" in the "Campaigns" series is an excellent choice; concise text, maps, 3-D views, lots of pictures and colour artwork etc.

Also, by the same author, his most recent "Companion to the Anglo Zulu War" includes an appraisal of debates about the battle which I would suggest is useful for finding your way around the full length books.

H
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Isandlwana for dummies
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