Vol I xx + 384 pp of text and appendixes + 2 inserted colour plates + 76 inserted b/w plates + 21 pp of unpaginated index.
Vol II xvii + 354 pp of text and appendixes + 48 inserted b/w plates + 6 maps and sketches in the text + 8-fold plan of Mafeking at the back.
Both books have green cloth boards with armorial crest on the upper covers gilt, titled gilt on the spines. The books are in good condition. Volume II has a light pencil gift inscription on the front end paper with pencil signatures of nine prefects from 1981. There are very light foxing marks on the end papers of both volumes. The dust jacket of Vol II is in very good condition. The dust jacket of Vol I is edge-worn with a couple of small tears.
The story of the part played by Rhodesian forces in the Boer War of 1899 to 1902 has never been related before in consecutive detail, and the narrative developing from the establishment of Rhodesia, and the causes of the war, which the authors considers to be inevitable, goes on to deal with the preparations on both sides and the first encounter at Kraaipan.
The defence of the Rhodesian borders is then described and includes the discovery of a battle-site at Bryce's Store, which was found in the bush, in almost the same condition as when it was left by the opposing forces. The story goes on to relateCol. Plumer's advance with his Rhodesians southwards, and the difficulties they encountered. It concludes with the combined operations of British columns from the north and south, which led to the actual relief of Mafeking, on 17th May, 1900.
This is a fascinating story of courage and determination to surmount all problems, and should furnish Rhodesians with a proud appreciation of the quality of their forebears in our not-so-distant past.
Source: Vol I. Front inside flap.
- Jacket Condition: Good
- Binding Condition: Very good
- Overall Condition: Good
- Size: 250 x 160 x 70 mm
