Terrific Majesty explores the reasons for the potency of Shaka's image, examining the ways it has changed over time-from colonial legend, through Africanist idealization, to modern cultural icon. I might not have always agreed with his actions but this was, of course, a different time and a different culture and I am not in a position to judge. I am deeply aware of human's capability to inflict pain on each other, but this was one step beyond for me I'm afraid. Although more recent scholarship casts doubt on some of Morris’s assertions, his book remains the starting point for understanding the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. To me this was a great read about history of Southern Africa and written in a narrative format, not just a list of dry facts and figures.

Reprint, 8vo, 383pp, photo illustrations; front paper hinge a little cracked at the top and covers generally lightly rubbed o/w G Copy in DJ that is a little soiled, edge-worn and rubbed Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. In exile, Shaka builds his skills as a military leader and is soon noticed by Dingiswayo, king of the Mthethwa confederation, a collection of some 30 Nguni societies united under his rule.The Zulu belong to the Nguni linguistic group as do the Ndwande and Mthethwa people featured in the books.

He seeks to evaluate not just Shaka’s nation-building but what followed, most especially the Anglo-Zulu war that culminated in the destruction of the Zulu military at Isandhlwana.Hamilton argues that the image of Shaka, contrary to most post-modernist interpretations, was not simply a colonial invention. Three years later and half a world away, a British force was wiped out by Zulu warriors at Isandhlwana in South Africa. Shaka is today the hero of Zulu nationalism, the centerpiece of Inkatha ideology, a demon of apartheid, the namesake of a South African theme park, even the subject of a major TV film.

In the 15th century, the Zulu were a small clan of Nguni people descended from Zulu kaMalandela, a common ancestor who founded the royal line. g. spelling amaZulu "Ama Zulu" and translating that "the chief in heaven" (b) puts very British words into Zulu mouths. Instead, she argues that Shaka’s image gained its durability and complexity from a mix of indigenous narratives as well as colonial ones.

If you're interested in the history of the Zulus, or just want to read the fascinating life story of a fascinating man, this book is well worth your time. Having masterminded Napoleon Bonaparte’s escape from St Helena with his friend Emile Béraud in Needing Napoleon , history teacher Richard Davey now finds himself stranded on the African coast. During the year of mourning of the death of his mother - He became despondant and suffered from severe depression.