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South African Battles
South African Battles describes 36 battles spread over five centuries. These are not the well-trodden battlefields of standard histories, but generally lesser-known ones. Some were of critical importance, while some were infinitely curious.
Who, for instance, has heard of the battles of Nakob, Middelpos, Mome Gorge or Mushroom Valley? Who knows about the four black women that Bartolomeu Dias brought with him on his pioneering voyage of exploration? Who knows that there was a significant battle in what is now the Kruger National Park in 1725? Who knows about the military episode where not a shot was fired but which brought South Africa into the Great War? Who knows that Germany once invaded South Africa?
Written in a light, humorous and personal style, each chapter is self-contained, like a short story. They can be read one a night, and mulled over next day with the promise of further enjoyment to come. South African Battles is an ideal bedside book, as well as an engaging travel companion. But there is also a twist in the tale at the end. Caveat lector, or lectrix!
Who, for instance, has heard of the battles of Nakob, Middelpos, Mome Gorge or Mushroom Valley? Who knows about the four black women that Bartolomeu Dias brought with him on his pioneering voyage of exploration? Who knows that there was a significant battle in what is now the Kruger National Park in 1725? Who knows about the military episode where not a shot was fired but which brought South Africa into the Great War? Who knows that Germany once invaded South Africa?
Written in a light, humorous and personal style, each chapter is self-contained, like a short story. They can be read one a night, and mulled over next day with the promise of further enjoyment to come. South African Battles is an ideal bedside book, as well as an engaging travel companion. But there is also a twist in the tale at the end. Caveat lector, or lectrix!
568 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 10, 2015
A really interesting look at some battles which occurred on South African soil. Some of the incidents are minor skirmishes / disagreements between groups and others highlighted form part of greater battles / wars which took place here. The anecdotes used to help place the battle into context and also the journey to find site of the battle in recent times makes reading the facts more fun.
September 13, 2013
I had the privilege of reading the manuscript of this new release and my cover shout reads: "A brilliant journey through South Africa's battlefields, this book ignites a thirst for more of the rough texture of history and the fallible people who shaped it."
What a fantastic book. It tells the story of South African battles, big and small, that have shaped the country and its political landscape over the centuries. Brimming with personal insights, humour and fabulous story-telling, this an essential read for anyone wanting to understand this country's blood-soaked birth.
For years I had driven past the Slagtersnek memorial on the path between Port Elizabeth and Cradock without giving it a second thought. But, armed with fresh insight, I stopped there on my last trip. In the middle of the god-forsaken dry brown veld, with a cold wind blowing, stood the stone memorial. On it was a note carefully placed inside a plastic envelope. It read: "Nooit sal ons vergeet". Spine chilling.
What a fantastic book. It tells the story of South African battles, big and small, that have shaped the country and its political landscape over the centuries. Brimming with personal insights, humour and fabulous story-telling, this an essential read for anyone wanting to understand this country's blood-soaked birth.
For years I had driven past the Slagtersnek memorial on the path between Port Elizabeth and Cradock without giving it a second thought. But, armed with fresh insight, I stopped there on my last trip. In the middle of the god-forsaken dry brown veld, with a cold wind blowing, stood the stone memorial. On it was a note carefully placed inside a plastic envelope. It read: "Nooit sal ons vergeet". Spine chilling.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews