Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #156213 in Books
• Published on: 2008-10-16
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 272 pages

Customer Reviews

Knight's new offering fills neglected gap in Zulu War literature
In the genre of historical inquiry and interpretation, a book bearing the word "Companion" within its title, seems to immediately conjure the image of a reference manual. Often, such references are quickly dismissed as dry, boring and only of value to the most zealous students. In this instance however, the term "Companion" is somewhat misleading. To be sure, it does fulfill it's reference expectations in the manner one would expect from Ian Knight, with absolute accuracy, unassailable scholarship and thorough annotation. But the real genius of this work did not strike me until I was near the end of page 53. I had devoured the first twelve topical studies, from Ammunition Boxes to Burying the Dead, in one swipe----as if I were on vacation guiltily reading tawdry fiction. Within this type of book, which seems to have more ambiguous literary parameters than that of a serious history, Knight is able to stretch a bit, and he shows himself as a writer of most excellent quality. Indeed, it is his commentary on the facts and anecdotes examined that gives this work it's tremendous value. Beyond that, the amount of subjects covered is very broad. I was extremely pleased to see nearly every topic I expected, but some of the best little gems can be found under headings less obviously anticipated, such as the thread entitled 'Liars, Fakes and Rogues.'

Regarding the gap in Zulu War literature alluded to in the title, it's filled by this book in the following manner. A quick examination of my book shelves revealed a count of no less than 75 major titles dealing specifically with the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, not to mention countless magazine articles, society journals and smaller specialty books concerning aspects such as uniforms and weaponry. The point is then, when one is reading these accounts, often they cause as many questions to arise as those they answer. A simplistic yet clear enough example is the Ammunition Box controversy at Isandlwana. It's well and good to read about a possible shortage of ammunition due to the nature of the boxes. However, this book explains why or why not that may have been the case, but only after a comprehensive look at the evidence, from the design of the box, to survivor testimony and archaeological data. As this is the standard methodology applied to all the scrutinized subjects, a great many of my questions finally have answers.

A feature that should be well appreciated for it's convenience factor, is the inclusion within the introduction of maps associated with every major military action of the war. The biggest visual treat however is on the dust cover, which features a newly discovered contemporary period painting from an as yet unknown Victorian artist, of the action at the mission station at Rorke's Drift. Unfortunately, as the size of the original painting is obviously too large to fit even wrapped around the cover, one is not afforded a truly satisfying view. Hopefully at some point the entire painting will be made available in print form.

In the age of the internet, many students of history find themselves debating and discussing favorite subjects online with others of like interests. For those who find themselves enmeshed in the history of the Anglo-Zulu War, having this book will most assuredly lend an advantage over fellow debaters, as well as saving one from having to rampage through 75 books for that one all important reference!

Its exactly what it says it is!
This is a great reference work for all those interested in the Zulu war. Its basically an A-Z guide to the war covering everything from Dogs, uniforms, cinema, the Zulu royal family, rockets etc. I thought it was fascinating book and I could not put it down.

Its exactly what it says it is, a great companion to the study of the Zulu war written by one of the leading historians of the Zulu war.

YOU MUST GO THERE!!
This is an excellent reference book for anyone who has an interest in the Zulu War of 1879. The amount of detail of both the British and Zulu perspectives is fantastic - written, as always by Ian Knight, in a very 'easy' style. I have read everything he has written on the Zulu War and get more information each time. However if you really want to understand the 'lie of the land' and see where it all happened, you really must take a trip to Zululand with Ian Knight as your guide. I have been three times and loved each trip. You will come back understanding how 'dongas' spoil the country for cavalry, what kopjes are and much more besides. I can thoroughly recommend this book.