Boer War and Zulu War: What They Were and How to Choose Books About Them

The Boer War and the Anglo-Zulu War were two separate conflicts in southern Africa, fought roughly two decades apart against different opponents. The Anglo-Zulu War (1879) pitted the British Empire against the Zulu Kingdom in a short, intense campaign; the Boer Wars (1880–1881 and 1899–1902) were fought between Britain and the Boer republics of the Transvaal and Orange Free State. On Pen and Sword Books, you can browse them through dedicated catalogue categories — Frontline: Boer-Zulu War and Greenhill: Anglo-Zulu War — and the right book for you depends on whether you want a campaign overview, a regimental history, a biography, or a battlefield guide.

The two wars at a glance

Keeping these apart matters when you shop: a title labelled "Zulu War" will not cover the Boer campaigns, and "Boer War" titles usually mean the Second Boer War unless they specify otherwise.

What a good account should cover

For the Anglo-Zulu War, look for the invasion plan and its opening reverses, the defence of Rorke's Drift, the battle of Ulundi that ended the campaign, and the political aftermath of dividing Zululand. Key figures include Lord Chelmsford, Cetshwayo, and officers such as Chard and Bromhead.

For the Boer Wars, a solid Second Boer War account should explain the origins of the conflict, the early British defeats during "Black Week," the siege towns, the guerrilla phase, and the concentration camp system. The First Boer War is shorter but worth a dedicated treatment for Majuba and the Transvaal settlement.

How the publisher's categories help you browse

Pen and Sword's catalogue organises military history by period, war, and imprint. Two categories are directly relevant:

• Frontline: Boer-Zulu War — Frontline Books titles grouped under the Boer and Zulu conflicts.
• Greenhill: Anglo-Zulu War — Greenhill Books titles specifically on the Anglo-Zulu War.

Browsing these categories narrows the field before you start comparing individual titles. Related shelves such as 19th Century biographies and Battlefield Guidebooks can surface titles that sit outside the war-specific categories.

Choosing between types of book

Use the same criteria across formats so comparisons are fair:

• Campaign overviews — best if you are new to the subject. Check that the title states which war and which phase it covers.
• Regimental histories — best if you want unit-level detail; verify the regiment and the years covered.
• Biographies — best for following a single commander or politician; check the subject's role and period.
• Battlefield guidebooks — best if you plan to visit sites; confirm the sites covered and whether maps or tours are included.

If you want one book to start with, choose an overview of the specific war you care about. If you already know the outline, a regimental history or biography adds depth that overviews cannot.

Verifying a title before you buy

Before ordering, confirm four things on the product page:

1. Period coverage — does the description name the war and dates, or only "southern Africa"?
2. Author background — is the author a historian, a serving or retired officer, or a specialist in the campaign?
3. Edition — is it a new edition, a reprint, or a revised version with added material?
4. Format and series — which imprint and series it belongs to, since that signals the level of detail.

The site lists contact details, including a phone number and mailing list sign-up, if you need to ask about a specific title. Prices and ordering terms are shown on individual product pages rather than in the category listings, so check there before purchase.