Battles of the Anglo-Boer War is a new series of softcovers published in the Republic of South Africa by Raven Press. To quote the book, "This Battle Book series has been written to make information, photographs and maps of the most significant Anglo-Boer War sites in KwaZulu-Natal more readily available. The books are not exhaustive studies of the various sites but rather field guides, designed to assist the reader in interpreting the terrain and understanding the events."

"The Battle of Thuela Heights 12-28 February 1900" is 50 pages in length. It tells the story of the battle, its background, options available to the British, the various stages, each side's movements; also the relief of Ladysmith and casualties. This is followed by a detailed breakdown of the forces engaged, but no numbers are given. There is also a map of the Anglo-Boer War sites, a section on the battlefield today, and a short list for further reading. The text is reinforced in a dozen places by the inclusion of pertinent passages taken from published memoirs of participants on both sides. There are at least twenty period photographs of the places and people involved. Lastly, there are four excellent, full page maps at the end detailing the topography, troop dispositions and routes taken.

I purchased my copy through the post and the cost was R35 less the VAT. These books remind me of the National Parks series of booklets I got as a boy visiting our Civil War battlefields.

Available from Clarke's Bookshop
211 Long Street
Cape Town 8001 South Africa
cheryl@clarkesbooks.co.za
tel 021-4235739
fax 021-4236441