The Boer War: Historiography and Annotated Bibliography (Bibliographies of Battles and Leaders) [Hardcover]

Fred R. van Hartesveldt (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0313306273 | ISBN-13: 978-0313306273 | Publication Date: May 30, 2000 | Edition: annotated edition

One hundred years after the Boer War, the British continue to debate what went wrong, while the war has significant nationalist overtones in today's South Africa. This book examines changes in interpretations of the war and provides a bibliography of major sources on the Boer War, now sometimes called the South African War. The bibliography focuses on the military history, but also includes some historical accounts of the political debate. The first part of the book provides an extended historiographical essay, while part two provides an annotated bibliography of the titles discussed in part one. Historiographical questions concerning the Boer War are numerous. Discussions of military operations focus on the early use of modern weaponry and the effect of guerrilla tactics on a traditional force, while other historians debate the question of British military leadership and organization. Questions also revolve around British imperialism and the "scramble for Africa." Frequently called the second war for freedom by South African authors, the war was the reason that South Africa, unlike other British colonies, gained independence without majority rule. This makes the war of continuing relevance to the turmoil in South Africa, the collapse of the minority government, and the continuing problems of the current government. This book will provide a useful tool for those wishing to research the war.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“This excellent contribution to literature about the war between British South Africans and the 'Boers' or 'farmers'...focuses on military history rather than 'political debates over the virtues of the war'....recommended.”–Choice

“[E]xtremely valuable and should be the first port of call for anyone embarking on a history of Britain's most extensive and costly colonial war.”–War in History

“[I]f you are interested in the Boer War, then this excellent book is worth every penny....a pure delight to use....Get the book and your knowledge of the Boer War will be exemplary.”–The Military Historical Society

“The Boer War fills a real need....an invaluable reference tool. Opportunities of doctoral students and scholars to make orignial and significant contributions.”–Army History

“...well-produced and useful to anyone with a strong interest in the 1899-1902 conflict in South Africa.”–H-Net Review

“I can recommend this book.”–Military History

About the Author

FRED R. VAN HARTESVELDT is Professor of History at Fort Valley State University.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood Press; annotated edition edition (May 30, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0313306273
• ISBN-13: 978-0313306273
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,402,563 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No Bore, August 26, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Boer War (Sutton Pocket Histories) (Paperback)

Academic accounts of regional conflicts are often dry and tedious reads. Dr. van Hartesveldt's retelling of the history of this conflict is engaging and accessible. He gives life to the stories of the men who fought in this bitter struggle and provides an understanding of the importance of the Boer war in the greater story of the rise and fall of the British empire. An enjoyable and enlightening read.