"By breaking down the events into a chronological minute-by-minute ordering interspersed with analysis of the situation as it develops, the book achieves a tremendous level of pacing and tension. At times there is a page turning quality to the book more akin to the reading experience one enjoys with a good thriller. This is unique in a historical account, and adds quite a bit of entertainment value to the educational experience."
Read the full review [link=http://globeatwar.com/review/rorkes-drift-and-isandlwana-22nd-january-1879-minute-minute ]here[/link]
Globe at War
"By breaking down the events into a chronological minute-by-minute ordering interspersed with analysis of the situation as it develops, the book achieves a tremendous level of pacing and tension. At times there is a page turning quality to the book more akin to the reading experience one enjoys with a good thriller. This is unique in a historical account, and adds quite a bit of entertainment value to the educational experience."
Read the full review [link=http://globeatwar.com/review/rorkes-drift-and-isandlwana-22nd-january-1879-minute-minute ]here[/link]
Globe at War
[b]Review by Ashley Holt[/b]
This is a fantastic idea for the study of conflicts that are often analysed in isolation from each other, but this minute by minute account allows the reader to picture the broader issues from both the British and Zulu sides. The wealth of first-hand testimonies bring to life the triumphs and tragedies that make these battles so memorable. A very useful book for a battlefield tour, for historians of these times and wargamers who seek a more accurate context.
The Hoplite Association
[b]Review by Ashley Holt[/b]
This is a fantastic idea for the study of conflicts that are often analysed in isolation from each other, but this minute by minute account allows the reader to picture the broader issues from both the British and Zulu sides. The wealth of first-hand testimonies bring to life the triumphs and tragedies that make these battles so memorable. A very useful book for a battlefield tour, for historians of these times and wargamers who seek a more accurate context.
The Hoplite Association
Amateur Armies are a phenomenon I have never ever considered needing further information on, but Stephen Cullen's superb book has changed all that, with considerable research and fascinating facts.
Books Monthly
Amateur Armies are a phenomenon I have never ever considered needing further information on, but Stephen Cullen's superb book has changed all that, with considerable research and fascinating facts.
Books Monthly
I have been fascinated by the British Army since a young age, but the weaponry of the Victorian British Army has never particularly interested me and, for that matter, even after having read this book, I still wouldn't be able to tell the difference between a Martini Henry and a Lee Enfield at twenty paces. That's not to say that this book isn't good; it is, very. It's just that I don't have the forensic knowledge that author Stephen Manning has. It is one thing to have that knowledge though, and quite another to be able to write about the subject in a compelling manner that makes it interesting for people like me. Although it's not 'fashionable' to say so now, the British Army of the Victorian and early Edwardian eras did a sterling job of maintaining and expanding the British Empire through a combination of grit, determination, stiff-upper-lipiness and unwavering discipline. The weaponry they used, certainly provided the back-up, and in this book we can read about its evolution from.. Read more
Paul Nixon
I have been fascinated by the British Army since a young age, but the weaponry of the Victorian British Army has never particularly interested me and, for that matter, even after having read this book, I still wouldn't be able to tell the difference between a Martini Henry and a Lee Enfield at twenty paces. That's not to say that this book isn't good; it is, very. It's just that I don't have the forensic knowledge that author Stephen Manning has. It is one thing to have that knowledge though, and quite another to be able to write about the subject in a compelling manner that makes it interesting for people like me. Although it's not 'fashionable' to say so now, the British Army of the Victorian and early Edwardian eras did a sterling job of maintaining and expanding the British Empire through a combination of grit, determination, stiff-upper-lipiness and unwavering discipline. The weaponry they used, certainly provided the back-up, and in this book we can read about its evolution from.. Read more
Paul Nixon
[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars
I feel like I learned a lot. Maybe I dint learn that much about the battles per se, but more about general attitudes, how we reflect on things we’d rather not remember, and sadly, that it seems like we don’t even want to live and learn. The way the British leaders didn’t give any straight answers about why they went to war and what went wrong makes me think the leaders of today are not that different. Doubt we’ll get any clearer answers today...
All in all a great book. However, I would encourage readers to read about “the well-known” history, wars, and stories from that time first, to fully understand the meaning of this brilliant and educational book.
NetGalley, Tove R
[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars
I feel like I learned a lot. Maybe I dint learn that much about the battles per se, but more about general attitudes, how we reflect on things we’d rather not remember, and sadly, that it seems like we don’t even want to live and learn. The way the British leaders didn’t give any straight answers about why they went to war and what went wrong makes me think the leaders of today are not that different. Doubt we’ll get any clearer answers today...
All in all a great book. However, I would encourage readers to read about “the well-known” history, wars, and stories from that time first, to fully understand the meaning of this brilliant and educational book.
NetGalley, Tove R
