Boer War

Rating:
Summary: One of the best military histories.
Review: This is one of the finest written and most interesting military histories I have ever read. The Boer War foreshadowed the bloody military strategy of WWI and the doomed political strategies of Vietnam. If only those military and political leaders had read this book. It is a must for any one with an interest in military or colonial history.

Rating:
Summary: The Book on the subject
Review: Thomas Pakenham should go down as one of the best writers to ever tackle the immense subject of Africa. His book Scramble for Africa was great, and this one is even better. It does some things that previous works, including the history books, do not. First, it paints a picture of Natal and South Africa up until the time of the war, thus presenting the grievances of both sides, particularly those of the Boers. Secondly, Pakenham is familiar with the landscape, so the places where the battles took place are described in great detail. Also, he gives the conclusions of the war, and its affect on both society and war in general, particularly the Great War. Finally, and most important of all, Pakenham does not play favorites. His account is unbiased and very readable.