Cassell, 2002, $19.95, ISBN 0-304-36293-X, 176 pgs., trade softback

This reprint of the 1987 book, Anglo-Boer Wars primarily tackles the 1st and 2nd Anglo-Boer Wars (1881 and 1899-1902 respectively), with roughly half the book on the latter War and only a 10-page chapter devoted to the period 1815-1880. It's a good overview, packed with photos and illustrations just like Barthorp's Afghan Wars book, that explains a multitude of military actions quickly and simply.

Knowledgeable Boer War readers will probably find this a bit too general. However, those new to the period will find the background just right to whet the appetite for more detailed works. Barthorp does a particularly good job in explaining the transition during the 2nd Boer War from set-piece battles to guerrilla warfare.

The photographs enhance the book's appeal, showing uniforms and such as well as differences in terrain types. A particularly good pair of photos on pages 114-115 show a British brigade on the attack up Railway Hill (p.114) and Hart's Hill (p.115). It is an excellent look at formations in action.

Other commendable photos include an observation balloon unit, a wagon pulled by 28 oxen (long wagon trains), and a heliograph station. The illustrations, mostly from contemporary newspapers, but including paintings and sketches, are sharper in detail and complement the photos.

All in all, Barthorp recounts the wars with concise prose, adds in a considerable dose of illustrations and photos, and creates an impressive book.