The Savage Wars:British Campaings in Africa 1870-1920

Posts : 600 Join date : 2013-09-18 Location : West Country

I have had a search of the forum but I can't find a review for this book. I was wondering if anyone could comment on it, as I am thinking about buying it.
Thanks
Waterloo

Waterloo,

The book obviously covers a broad span of British military involvement on the continent of Africa over fifty years. It is well illustrated, but the captions on some of the illustrations are erroneous. To me one in particular on page 43 stands out. The caption states 'Imperial heroes: The defenders of Rorke's Drift...' Yet the photograph actually shows the umuzi were the Prince Imperial was killed. The problem is some people actually believe Lawrence James' text to be correct and cite it in various places.

Anthony Durnford becomes 'Colonel Durnforth' throughout the text relating to Isandlwana. The author displays - in my opinion - a lack of knowledge of the designations of British Army regiments, one of which might make someone's blood boil on the forum. To save his blood pressure surging I give another example from page 40, where the author refers to the '...99th (Cameronian) Regiment...'

In my opinion other authors have provided works in similar vein but without the numerous flaws that appear in this publication.

I hope that helps?

John Y.

Posts : 600 Join date : 2013-09-18 Location : West Country

John Y

Thank you for responding. Its a shame about the book, I have been looking for something like the 'Savage Wars' for a while now. Would you mind suggesting some other works that are similar.

Kindest Regards
Waterloo

Waterloo,

I would suggest 'The Colonial Wars Sourcebook' by Philip Haythornthwaite as a far better work on similar lines.

John Y.

Posts : 600 Join date : 2013-09-18 Location : West Country

John,

Thank you very much. I managed to buy a hardback copy for £6 on ebay.

Waterloo

Waterloo,

Well done, that's good value.

John Y.

Posts : 1261 Join date : 2010-04-12

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Savage-Wars-Campaigns-1870-1920/dp/0312699875

"The Colonial Wars Sourcebook", just got one on ebay for £3.82p post FREE agree

Hi John, from your words regarding the book "the savage wars" I take it that I wouldn't like the mistakes that Lawrence James writes in his book. Very Happy

I wonder why it is that many so called 'authors' make mistakes like this in their books, lack of research comes to mind, but there is also the possibility that they just follow the usual false myth and belief that was created by 'The Film', then they put the same mistakes in their books and gullible readers take it for granted as being fact.

With books (and films), of this sort of calibre, is it any wonder that the Englishmen and the old 24th (2nd Warwickshire) regiment never get the recognition that they so justly desreve. Mad

Just shows that by a total lack of research or by falsifying the facts (in the case of 'the film'), the general public are totally mislead into accepting and believing in myths and hoaxes that are actually a load of rubbish, and if 'the film' was ever remade and the truth was told to the general public, then a lot of books (regimental history), would have to be amended or re-written so that the truth and the real facts can be given to the public. agree

Martin,

When you put pen to paper in connection with the Zulu War you set yourself up for pillory and mockery from any number of people. My own dated work is far from without error, but if I were given the opportunity for a revised edition I would take it.

Judging by the blurb Lawrence James' background is/was in academia, yet his lack of knowledge regarding regimental designations - to me - shows an ignorance of fact and lack of research.

The 24th in James' text becomes 'The 24th (Warwickshire, later the South Wales Borderers)...' In that context I have no problem the use of the South Wales Borderers, but he has omitted the fact the 24th were the 2nd Warwickshire Regiment!

John Y.

Posts : 600 Join date : 2013-09-18 Location : West Country

I have just ordered a copy of 'Go Strong Into The Desert' by Mike Snook, I have been informed that this is his best work so far. I thought that I would buy something like 'The Savage War 'or 'The Colonial War Source Book', just to get a little back ground information and to get me started. I don't want to repeat the mistakes that I made in trying to get my head around all of the AZW stuff. I enjoy this forum but sometimes I feel like I need a PHD in AZW studies just to keep up. I note that there is also a book called the 'Mahdist Wars Source Book' its not cheap at £25. My collection of AZW books is getting quite large now, time to buy some more shelves.

Hi John, thank you for clearing that up, I agree it shows an ignorance of fact and a lack of research (Baker Syndrome).

Yes, the 1st Warwickshire regiment was the old 6th foot, later becoming The Royal Warwickshire, and later still (and against their wishes), they were forced into becoming a fusilier regiment.

At least Lawrence James did say 'LATER' the SWB, and when used in that context I also have no problem, provided that the SWB is NOT wrongly or falsely given the credit for any sort of action during the AZW, ie; iSandlwana or RD, as they did not come into being until two years after that war.

I notice that Nathan Cutting Brittles was on TV again, been on a few times in the last few months, good film though.

Thanks again John. Salute

» ORIGINAL SOUTH AFRICA WARS MEDAL ZULU ETC.
» British Victorian Zulu Wars Campaign Medal 2-24th Foot
» Sir Bartle Frere's Ball with list of British officers in South Africa October 1878