The Rise & Fall of the Zulu Nation

by John Laband

One of the great untold stories of pre-colonial Africa at last receives a chronicle worthy of its significance. Revisit exotic Zululand, once the most powerful black state in Africa. It experienced only sixty years of independence, and during that time weathered more than other countries endure in centuries. See its rebellions by discontented subjects and ambitious princes, and the intrusions by traders, missionaries, and land-hungry settlers. View the seeds of its downfall in the invasion by the Dutch Voortrekkers, and its final destruction at the hands of the British -- who, at the height of their imperial power, required a full, six-month-long military campaign to bring the kingdom down. Finally, look towards the future, and the ways in which the kingdom lives on in the dreams of the new South Africa. Dozens of black-and-white photographs, as well as sketches, capture Zululand's undulating hillsides, its proud and self-assured people and artifacts, including ceremonial staffs, shields, woven baskets, and spears.

Genres: History, Africa, Nonfiction, Military History, South Africa, World History

576 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

John Laband is a South African historian and writer, specialising in Anglo-Zulu and Boers wars. He is Professor Emeritus and Chair of History at Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada, and is a Life Member of Clare Hall, Cambridge University, England.

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just an ok read, although the author clearly knows the subject. It was just too much of a text book for me. Plus, he gives you the name of just about everything in the Zulu language and then sprinkles these words liberally throughout the book. 2 Stars for good research.

[Zach · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thorough history of the Zulus starting from Shaka to the absorption into the Commonwealth. Incredibly thorough though dry. it's a great who what where why when of the Zulus but not much of an angle beside the "this is what happened and by whom".