| Thomas Pakenham has constructed a narrative as vivid and fast moving as a novel. In many ways he challenges the accepted views of historians. He exposes the crucial role of two of the "Gold Bugs" (the richest of the Rand millionaires) in precipitating the war. He throws new light on the blunders of the British generals, Buller and Roberts, revealing a personal feud between the men comparable to the one between Lords Lucan and Cardigan that led to the Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War. He writes movingly about the plight of the 100,000 black Africans who served both armies, and he explains the final political victory of the Boers--how they lost the war but won the peace--with far-reaching consequences for Europe and South Africa. Illustrated with over 200 color and black-and-white photographs and maps, this new edition of a definitive book makes a unique and invaluable contribution to an understanding of South African history at a time of momentous change. |
