There will be an
Awful Row About This

Zulu booklet

by Bob Beattie

Edited by Ian Knight, published by the Zulu Study Group, Victorian Military Society, 1987 (revised from 1979 edition). Contains 44 pages, 22 photos and illustrations, 5 maps, and full color reproduction of painting The Last of the 24th, Isandlwana. Available from the editor, 12 Windlesham Road, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, BN4 5AE, England, £ 3.25 plus £ 2.75 p&p overseas.

This is an excellent little collection of nine essays about the Zulu War. It is not an introduction to the conflict or even directly related to wargaming. It is a scholarly examination of some details about this conflict. Of particular interest to gamers might be the last two pieces, "The Organization of the British Army" by D.E. Langley and "The Zulu Army, 1879" by Ian Knight. The former is mostly charts showing numbers of various ranks in different types or units.

The latter is a very detailed description of the armies, armament, and tactics of the Zulus. (it would be nice if this single article were available for gamers who did not want the other material.) Three articles concern two battles -- Khambula and Ulundi. These may be of interest to gamers who want to develop scenarios for the table top. The other articles are perhaps of less interest to gamers but do give some insight into what was happening in Natal at the time. The photographs and illustrations provide much detail for figure converters and dioramists. I was struck by the large numbers of men with beards in the picture of the 1/24th on page 18; at least half have very full facial hair.

The price is a bit steep for the casual Victorian Era gamer. I estimate it to be about $11 at an exchange rate of £ 1 = $1.90. Perhaps it is available from a US source for somewhat less. For the serious colonial gamer it may be worth the price. At a minimum, gamers should make a request that their local library get a copy.

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