Witnesses at Isandlwana: 22 January 1879

On January 22, 1879, British forces in Zululand suffered a devastating defeat at the hands of the Zulus, resulting in over 1300 deaths. Despite this, scattered primary accounts from those who were there provide valuable insights into the battle and its aftermath. This book is the largest collection of such accounts ever gathered, offering a comprehensive view of the event and its impact on British and Zulu history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 528 pages
Publication date: 20 April 2023
Publisher: Fonthill Media Ltd

On the 22nd of January 1879, British forces in Zululand faced a devastating and unforeseen defeat at the hands of the Zulus, resulting in over 1300 casualties, including more than 800 regular British soldiers. However, the Zulu victory came at a significant cost, as their losses were also substantial. Surprisingly, scattered across archives, museums, and private collections worldwide, there exist numerous first-hand accounts from those who witnessed the battle. Accessible to a limited few, these primary sources hold immense importance in understanding the intricacies of the conflict and its course of events. They shed valuable light on the experiences of those present on that fateful day, providing a deeper insight into the battle and its historical significance.

British soldiers, including those from the colonial forces, civilians, and Zulu warriors who participated in the attack, left detailed descriptions of the battle. By consolidating these sources, this book stands as the largest collection of primary accounts ever assembled on the subject. It offers a comprehensive view of all the available sources, allowing the reader to explore them in a single volume. This approach enhances the understanding of the battle, its dynamics, and the firsthand accounts of those involved, both in British and Zulu history.

Weight: 948g
Dimension: 166 x 242 x 43 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781781559055