AZW Essential Reading?

Subject: AZW Essential Reading? Thu Sep 05, 2019 9:45 am

Hello all,

Can anyone give me what they would call the essential books written about the AZW? I only own Snooks "How can man die better" and "Like wolves on the fold", both of which I thoroughly enjoyed, and I've flicked through Sauls "Zulu" as I bought it for cheap for my Dad as a easy read for him whilst he was working abroad. So as you can see I'm not very well read. I've just ordered second hand copies of Knights "Zulu Rising" and Morris' "The Washing of the Spears" (both of which I believe are highly recommended). Are there any other books that you learned gents (and ladies) would recommend as must reads?

Cheers Salute

Subject: Re: AZW Essential Reading? Thu Sep 05, 2019 11:02 am

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Subject: Re: AZW Essential Reading? Thu Sep 05, 2019 11:52 am

Thank you kindly!

Subject: Re: AZW Essential Reading? Thu Sep 05, 2019 2:00 pm

Erismus
Zulu Rising will give you a better and more accurate overview than Morris.

Subject: AZW Essential Reading Thu Sep 05, 2019 4:37 pm

Erimus
It all depends on how far you wish to get into it , there are PLENTY of books that are essential reading , but to start off..... anything by Ian Knight , John Laband , Keith Smith , many other Authors have 1 or 2 publications that should be read , but they are very involved and depends on your knowledge of the war and it's actions , Morris was great back in the day , but not so much nowadays . Some of the Morris stuff has since been found to be suspect , probably worth a read , but Knight's ' Zulu Rising ' which deals exclusively with Rorke's Drift and Isandlwana is a must read .
90th

Subject: Re: AZW Essential Reading? Fri Sep 06, 2019 7:57 am

Thanks for the replies Frank and 90th!

I'm very much engaged in the topic so I'll take the heavy stuff with the lighter "easier" reads. The Washing of the Spears was cheap and I had it in my head that it was well received but evidently not so much haha! Never mind, even if it is outdated now like you say it will still be worth a read, I just have to keep what you have said in mind while I do so.

Cheers again!

Subject: Re: AZW Essential Reading? Fri Sep 06, 2019 10:11 am

Erimus
I cannot let you go without recommending to you the definitive Hill of the Sphinx by FW David Jackson. Jackson set Morris's book straight and Knight, by his own admission, owes much to Jackson's work. It is masterly in its description of the battle and has not been bettered for its clarity and brevity and is the starting point for all serious readers of the Isandhlwana story.

Subject: Re: AZW Essential Reading? Fri Sep 06, 2019 10:23 am

Thanks Julian!

A quick Google at work however has shown that it is hard to come by. Do you know where I might be able to grab a copy?

Subject: Re: AZW Essential Reading? Fri Sep 06, 2019 2:41 pm

The best bet is via your local interlibrary loan if you're in the UK. Or ask on this forum if someone has one to sell.

Subject: Re: AZW Essential Reading? Fri Sep 06, 2019 3:47 pm

Once again thanks for taking the time to get back to me. I'll have a look when I get the chance.

Cheers again Salute

Subject: AZW Essential Reading Sat Sep 07, 2019 6:45 pm

Yes ...certainly Jackson's ' Hill Of The Sphinx ' is a must have , all I can say is good luck trying to buy one , if you find one you can expect to part with 100 + GBP's ! . They hardly ever appear for sale . Must get back to the Test Match , England on the ropes with a day to go , they were 2 / 0 in the first over ! , I wouldn't mind another 1 or 2 before stumps ! . Very Happy

90th

Subject: Re: AZW Essential Reading? Mon Sep 09, 2019 10:02 pm

Has anyone to tried to obtain Jackson's ' Hill Of The Sphinx ' Its no where to be found?

Subject: Re: AZW Essential Reading? Mon Sep 09, 2019 10:16 pm

I have a signed copy of hill of the Sphinx that I bought for about
£10 around 8 or 9 years ago. But I cannot find one for sale anywhere now.
I believe I got mine on a visit to the museum in Brecon.
Ciroferrara

Subject: Re: AZW Essential Reading? Mon Sep 09, 2019 10:19 pm

Is it for sale?

Subject: Re: AZW Essential Reading? Mon Sep 09, 2019 10:24 pm

I would be very reluctant to sell. But if someone made an offer I couldn't refuse
I would consider it.
Ciroferrara

Subject: AZW Essential Reading Tue Sep 10, 2019 12:49 am

Hi Pete ( Admin ) as I mentioned in an earlier post you'll be hard pressed to find a copy of Jackson's ' Hill Of The Sphinx " , I've been looking for one for a friend since Jan ! , haven't seen one , you have to be very lucky to come across a copy , also , as I mentioned..... you can expect to pay well over 100 GBP's for a copy ! , unless you are on the right site , at the right time ! .
90th You need to study mo

Posts : 589 Join date : 2013-05-07 Location : Brecon

Pete,

David Jackson originally published his research in the Journal of the Society for Army Historical Research in editions March and September 1965. In September 1999 the Regimental Museum at Brecon published David's JSAHR articles in a booklet 'Isandhlwana 1879 - The sources re-examined'. In 2002 David Jackson then published his 'Hill of the Sphinx' which contained further material.

You may copies of the 1999 booklet (at a reasonable price) still available at the museum.

Subject: Re: AZW Essential Reading? Tue Sep 10, 2019 9:11 am

I'm currently spamming out messages and emails to every second hand book shop within a 50 mile radius! If I get any positive feedback I'll be sure to let you all know!

Cheers again for the suggestions!! Salute

Subject: AZW Essential Reading Tue Sep 10, 2019 1:01 pm

Erimus
That's probably your only chance , and you may pick it up cheaply ! .
90th Salute

Subject: Re: AZW Essential Reading? Tue Sep 10, 2019 5:02 pm

Erimus,

Have you tried the English Westerners Society? They were the original publishers their website is [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

If you look on their publications page the name Hook V.C., might also leap out to you.

JY

Subject: Re: AZW Essential Reading? Wed Sep 11, 2019 9:12 am

I do know of one available, but at a cost.

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