Customer Reviews

The Destruction of the Zulu Kingdom: The Civil War in Zululand, 1879-1884

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I used this book for an introductory read of the late Zulu empire. While it is meant to be a scholarly source I don't think it's as bad as others out there. Guy uses a great collection of primary sources and does a pretty good job of breaking down the psychology of the major players in both the Zulu and Natal politicians. A great read for anyone interested in South African History.

Jeff Guy is a master of his game, and this book is his flagship. Packed with invaluable information, it is a must-read for any scholar of Zulu history, particularly pertaining to the Anglo-Zulu War and the reign of Cetshwayo kaMpande. The biographical notes at the back of the book are a treasure trove for anybody interested in the characters behind the Zulu nation. Regrettabbly, while this book probably took twice as long to write and prepare as any of the bubble-gum best-sellers on sale, it just does not appeal to the commercial market. The cover lacks verve and does not do the book justice at all. That said, Jeff Guy would probably not have written the book if he knew it would be a commercial bubble-bath. He is a professional academic, and this is reflected in his painstaking work.