The Zulu War - Through Contemporary Eyes (Military History from Primary Sources)

"March slowly, attack at dawn and eat up the red soldiers." King Cetewayo, Battle of Isandhlwana 1879

Written in 1894, just 15 years after the war, this is James Grant's excellent military history of the Zulu War of 1879. From the British disaster at Isandhlwana to face-saving at Rorke's Drift and the final humiliation of the Zulu nation at Ulundi, this is the contemporary view of how the events were conveyed to the public of Great Britain. Featuring original engravings from the Illustrated London News and the Graphic, this book was written during the height of the British Empire, and the triumphalist mood of the day is reflected in the tone of the text. The martial aspects of the battles and skirmishes are covered in detail along with comprehensive overviews of the leading protagonists involved in the conflict. This detailed military history provides an echo of the contemporary attitudes to this turbulent time, which shaped the destiny of the British Empire. This book is part of the 'Military History from Primary Sources' series, a new military history range compiled and edited by Emmy Award winning author and historian Bob Carruthers. The series draws on primary sources and contemporary documents to provide a new insight into the true nature of warfare. The series consultant is David Mcwhinnie, creator of the award winning PBS series 'Battlefield'.