Crossing the Buffalo: The Zulu War of 1879

by Adrian Greaves

This book is not only a complete history of the Zulus but also an account of the way the British won absolute rule in South Africa. In the early decades of the nineteenth century, Shaka Zulu established a nation in south-east Africa which was to become the most politically sophisticated and militarily powerful black nation in the entire area. Although the Zulus never had any quarrel with their British neighbours, the rulers of the Cape Colony could not conceive of them as anything but a threat. In 1879, under dubious pretences, the British finally crossed the Buffalo River, and embarked on a bloody war that was to rock the very foundations of the British Empire. The story is studded with tales of incredible heroism, drama and atrocity on both sides: the Battle of Isandlwana, where the Zulus inflicted on the British the worst defeat a modern army has ever suffered at the hands of men without guns...

Genres: History

Hardcover

First published December 1, 2005

About the author

Adrian Greaves is the founder of the Anglo-Zulu War Historical Society and the author of numerous books on the period and South African wars.

Reviews

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even if you're not into history or into the subject matter, this book is worth reading simply for being a prime example of how to write a history book.

Greaves gives an excellent background to the events he covers, brings the reader up-to-date with the most recent evidence (and provides a convincing and intelligent interpretation thereof). The author is also as even-handed as possible (given the nature of surviving evidence), drawing on both sides where possible.


Of course, if you are interested in the subject, it's simply one of the best books out there on it. A must.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been reading about this subject for decades and it's refreshing to see so much new (to me) material, especially the information about the aftermath of Rorke's Drift and the scapegoating of Durnford.

[Gil Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The British invasion of Zululand in 1879 closely parallels the activities of the US Army in the west during the same time period. Another great land grab, making a few very rich and many very poor - or dead.