Synopses & Reviews
One hundred years after the Boer War, the British continue to debate what went wrong, while the war has significant nationalist overtones in today's South Africa. This book examines changes in interpretations of the war and provides a bibliography of major sources on the Boer War, now sometimes called the South African War. The bibliography focuses on the military history, but also includes some historical accounts of the political debate. The first part of the book provides an extended historiographical essay, while part two provides an annotated bibliography of the titles discussed in part one.
Historiographical questions concerning the Boer War are numerous. Discussions of military operations focus on the early use of modern weaponry and the effect of guerrilla tactics on a traditional force, while other historians debate the question of British military leadership and organization. Questions also revolve around British imperialism and the scramble for Africa. Frequently called the second war for freedom by South African authors, the war was the reason that South Africa, unlike other British colonies, gained independence without majority rule. This makes the war of continuing relevance to the turmoil in South Africa, the collapse of the minority government, and the continuing problems of the current government. This book will provide a useful tool for those wishing to research the war.
Review
...well-produced and useful to anyone with a strong interest in the 1899-1902 conflict in South Africa.H-Net Review
Review
[E]xtremely valuable and should be the first port of call for anyone embarking on a history of Britain's most extensive and costly colonial war.War in History
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[I]f you are interested in the Boer War, then this excellent book is worth every penny....a pure delight to use....Get the book and your knowledge of the Boer War will be exemplary.The Military Historical Society
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The Boer War fills a real need....an invaluable reference tool. Opportunities of doctoral students and scholars to make orignial and significant contributions.Army History
Review
I can recommend this book.Military History
Synopsis
One hundred years after the Boer War, the British continue to debate what went wrong, while the war has significant nationalist overtones in today's South Africa. This book examines changes in interpretations of the war and provides a bibliography of major sources on the Boer War, now sometimes called the South African War. The bibliography focuses on the military history, but also includes some historical accounts of the political debate. The first part of the book provides an extended historiographical essay, while part two provides an annotated bibliography of the titles discussed in part one.
Synopsis
Provides a guide to the historiography of a war that is still debated in Great Britain and has significant nationalist overtones in South Africa.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 43-218) and index.
Table of Contents
Introduction and Historical Background
Bibliographical Aids, Surveys, Memoirs, and Archival Sources
The Conventional Military Campaigns
"The Last of the Gentlemen's Wars"
Conclusion
Annotated Bibliography
Index