If you are seriously interested in the Zulu War then you really must read this account. Morris details (& I really do mean, details) the whole history from the colonisation of Africa to the Boar War. Obviously his emphasis is on the Zulu War & it's protagonists. I enjoyed his descriptive style, his unbiased characterisations & most of all, his rousing battle scenes. The account of the Rorkes Drift engagement is particularly impressive where he relates the events down to a room by room evacuation of the hospital. I found the post battle consequences & considerations well thought out & believeable. The early & mid 19th. century political machinations in South Africa are long & complicated & did bring forth a few yawns. Although I wouldn't personally recommend it, military historian purists could just read the book from the commencement of the war. It's a long, scholerly & entertaining history that's well worth the read.

This book is truly sprawling, interesting chronicle of the history of the Zulu nation. It spans from the rise of warrior king Shaka Zulu to the final destruction of Shaka's empire at the hands of the British army. While the sheer size of the tome may be a daunting prospect for many to tackle, the book will reward those who read it with a knowledge of the most colorful portions of African history. For instance you will be acquainted with the largest defeat ever suffered by the British army at the hands of natives. You'll also learn about the incredible stand at Rourke's Drift of 103 British soldiers against 4,000 Zulus. If you liked the movies, "Zulu", "Shaka Zulu", or "Zulu Dawn", read this book. Or just read it to know how events well over 100 years ago impact today in modern southern Africa.

This book is truly sprawling, interesting chronicle of the history of the Zulu nation. It spans from the rise of warrior king Shaka Zulu to the final destruction of Shaka's empire at the hands of the British army. While the sheer size may be a daunting prospect for many, the book will reward those who read it with a knowledge of the most colorful portions of African history. For instance you will be acquainted with the largest defeat ever suffered by the British army at the hands of natives. You'll also learn about the incredible stand at Rourke's Drift of 103 British soldiers against 4,000 Zulus. If you liked the movies, "Zulu", "Shaka Zulu", or "Zulu Dawn", read this book. Or just read it to know how events well over 100 years ago impact today in modern southern Africa.