rorkesdriftvc.com :: View topic

Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2006 10:27 pm

Readers might like to know about a new book by Huw M. Jones to be published later this month. It is called The Boiling Cauldron and the following description is from the introductory flyer:

"This community history provides a comprehensive account of events that ultimately led to the clashes at Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift in January 1879. Here is the history of the area that became known as 'The Disputed Territory' and the complicated relationships between several African polities, Boers and British. As the war between the Zulu and the British was being fought in Natal, ongoing along the Transvaal border to the north was a series of local clashes between neighbours that culminated in the action at Hlobane on 28 March. For the first time with full references, The Boiling Cauldron describes that battle in which the local people out-manoeuvred a force of colonial horsemen. burghers and impressed African levies led by Lt-Col H.E. Wood."

Those interested can go to www.casus-belli-co.uk for more details.

KIS

Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 6:33 pm

Thank you, Keith. Useful. With delivery in Jan 07, the first Zulu book of the New Year!

AMB

Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2007 8:34 pm

Finally got a copy. An interesting addition to one's library.

AMB

Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2007 9:16 am

I'd certainly go along with that, Andrew - and more. This book has informed me more than almost any other on the topic in recent years. In fact, on a number of subjects - the mfecane itself; the trekboers' negotiations over the years with Mpande's people; the process by which the Boundary Commission made its deliberations at Rorke's Drift in 1878 as well as, for example, Cetshwayo's bargaining strategies - I have been made to realise how little I knew before!

Plus Hlobane! Very highly recommended. With the appearance of Keith Smith's book, this Huw Jones title and the published Lloyd paintings all within a few months of each other, it's been a rich period of some very original "angles" on the AZW.

Peter

Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 4:37 pm

Dear All,

We shall have copies for sale within the next few days. Watch this space or rather the on-line shop. Alan Critchley has posted the review by Stephen Coan which appeared in last Thursday's Witness.