The Anglo-Boer War, also known as the Second Boer War, was a conflict fought between the British Empire and two Boer states: the South African Republic (Transvaal) and the Orange Free State. The war took place from 1899 to 1902 in South Africa. Collectors and historians can find comprehensive views of the entire war through various books on the subject.
In this article, we’ve listed 10 essential Anglo-Boer War books in no particular order. These books cover key aspects of the war and its battlefields, including works from historians, scholarly accounts, observer reports, and field soldier narratives.
While we don’t sell these books, we’re committed to providing valuable information for book enthusiasts and Anglo-Boer War collectors. So without wasting time have a look
.
The 11 Anglo-Boer War Books You Should Know
1. The Boer War Diary of Sol Plaatje: An African at Mafeking
This is one of the most important books that was written during the war. It provides a detailed account of the events that occurred during the siege of Mahikeng by the Boers. The diary is described as “a historical document of rare value,”.
The book was edited by John Comaroff, who uncovered it through Plaatje’s grandson and published it in 1973. At the time of writing the diary, Sol Plaatje worked as an interpreter at the local Mafeking court. From his unique position in the town, Plaatje documented the siege through the eyes of a local resident who lived through those grim months.
The significance of this book is heightened by the fact that Sol Plaatje later became a politician. He was the first secretary-general of the South African Native National Congress, which later became known as the African National Congress (ANC).
2. The Boer War Generals
“The Boer War Generals” by Peter Trew is an in-depth study of the main commanders on both sides of the conflict. Known as “the last of the gentlemen’s wars” and the first modern one, this book examines each general’s personality and command style. It highlights the differences between the experienced British generals and the natural ingenuity of the “amateur” Boers.
The book is fully illustrated with photographs and maps, offering a compelling insight into a war that provoked strong feelings worldwide.
On the British side, it covers the three Commanders-in-Chief: Lord Roberts, Kitchener, and General Sir Redvers Henry Buller. These established soldiers were highly esteemed when they went to South Africa.
On the South African side, it covers the Boer Generals: Louis Botha, Jan Smuts, Christiaan Rudolf de Wet, and Koos de la Rey.
3. The Boer War: A History
This book makes the next story to tell in our list of Anglo-Boer War books. The Boer War by Dr. Denis Judd provides a sensitive and scholarly account that avoids partisanship. The book is authored by a Briton. He is a historian with a keen interest in the British Empire.
His past books include “The British Empire,” “Balfour and the British Empire,” “The Victorian Empire,” and “Someone Has Blundered: The Calamities of the British Army in the Victorian Age.”
“The Boer War” by Dr Denis Judd highlight the extraordinary courage and resourcefulness of the Afrikaner farming community. Despite the odds, they carried on an eighteen-month guerrilla campaign after the war seemed over and Britain had decided to annex South Africa. In this book, Dr. Judd clearly and vividly addresses the complex issues, stirring events, and varied personalities that define the Boer War.
4. The Boer War by Thomas Pakenham
Thomas Pakenham, a British citizen, spent eight years researching and writing his book, “The Boer War.” He traveled extensively in South Africa and mastered original sources in both Dutch and Afrikaans, in addition to British records. His book was published after many significant works on the Boer War, including the seven-volume “Times History of the War in South Africa” (1900-1909) edited by Leo Amery and the eight-volume “History of the War in South Africa” (1906-1910) edited by General Maurice and others.
What makes Pakenham’s book unique is that he used new sources, including private papers of many British generals and politicians. He discovered the lost archives of Sir Redvers Buller. Redvers Buller was a British Commander-in-Chief in 1899. The writer uncovered Buller’s letters hidden under a billiard table at his house in Devon and in Lord Lansdowne’s muniment room at Bowood. Pakenham also sifted through Lord Robert’s papers, which were rescued by the National Army Museum from his biographer.
5. Black People And The South African War 1899 – 1902
Another book that stands out and adds valuable knowledge is “Black People and the South African War.” The author initially thought that Black South Africans were merely spectators or passive victims of a conflict between white people. However, this book provides a different perspective.
If you want to learn about the wartime experiences of South Africa’s majority black population, this is the book for you. It answers questions such as, “How did black people interpret the issues over which the war was fought?”, “What part did they play in military operations?”, and “How were their lives and livelihoods affected by the military upheaval?”
The book draws insights from Sol Plaatje’s Boer War Diary and various other materials. It includes a wealth of information from archives in Britain and Southern Africa about the experiences of black people during the war.
6. Boer War: The Letters, Diaries and Photographs of Malcolm Riall From The War in South Africa 1899 – 1902
This book is also on our list of Anglo Boer War books and is the first account of a British soldier who participated in the war. He went to South Africa in October 1899 and returned to Britain in May 1902. He fought in many significant battles, including Colenso and Spion Kop.
The book features selections from a unique record created by a young officer during the Boer War. It is richly illustrated with photographs and line drawings, providing a vivid account of his experiences.
7. The Anglo-Boer War 1899-1902 by Fransjohan Pretorius
This book aims to give readers a clear understanding of the intense struggle between the Boers and the British in South Africa. It gets straight to the heart of the matter without overwhelming the reader with too much detail.
What’s new in this book is its focus on themes from social and cultural history, incorporating scholarly research for advanced study. It includes research on Boer prisoners of war by Dr. S.P.R. Oosthuizen. The roles of Roberts and Kitchener and civilians during the war by Prof. S. B. Spies, and the experiences of Blacks, Coloureds, and Indians during the conflict by Dr. P. Warwick.
8. Churchill Wanted Dead or Alive: Winston Churchill in the Boer War
This is another important book on our list of Anglo-Boer War books. It answers what a future famous politician was doing during the war, adding to our understanding of the conflict. Winston Churchill, like Jan Smuts from the Boers, went on to become a very famous politician. Besides, this book highlights their roles in the war and their later significance in history.
The book also explores how Winston Churchill’s granddaughter, Celia Sandys, visited South Africa and followed her grandfather’s footsteps during the Boer War. She visited campsites and battlefields and spoke to the descendants of those who had crossed Churchill’s path. She uncovered a host of fascinating new details about this tumultuous period in Churchill’s early life. This Anglo-Boer War book is both a thrilling adventure story and a unique insight into the life of Winston Churchill who went on to become one of Britain’s greatest leaders.
9. The Boy: Baden-Powell and the Siege of Mafeking
Another prominent British figure who rose to fame after the Boer War was Baden-Powell. Unlike other generals, he returned to Britain as a hero. Lord Roberts’ reputation suffered when the war continued for 18 months after he left. For Kitchener, it was a long, tedious conflict that delayed his appointment as Commander-in-Chief in India. General Sir Redvers Henry Buller’s reputation was severely damaged by the Boer War.
However, in “The Boy,” authors Pat Hopkins and Heather Dugmore offer a controversial view of events in Mafeking. They challenge some myths from the Siege of Mafeking, suggesting that instead of being the “Hero of Mafeking,” Baden-Powell might have been the “Monster of Mafeking,”. He was responsible for many tragedies during the siege.
The author’s title of their book “The Boy” refers at once to Baden-Powell’s suspected lover, Keneth McLaren, to Baden-Powell being the ultimate “boy-man”. They claim that he is the source of South African black men condescendingly called “boys”.
The authors focused their attention on the Barolong-Boo-Ratshidi inhabitants of nearby Mafeking. The native stadt just outside town, who were luminaries in the drama of the siege. Furthermore, the authors paint a picture where time and again they saved Baden-Powell from himself and ensured the town was not overrun by Boers.
The authors are of the view that two of the local men deserve the title of “Hero of Mafeking” and that these are Sol Plaatje and Mathakgong. Although much is known about Sol Plaatje, little is known about Mathakgong, who was a cattle raider and guerrilla fighter.
10. Selections from the Correspondence of John X. Merriman
This book focuses on the Anglo-Boer War and is noted for its exceptional unity of tone and theme. It features the correspondences of John Xavier Merriman, a businessman, politician, and the last Prime Minister of the Cape Colony before it became part of the Union of South Africa in 1910.
Merriman was considered a liberal in South Africa but also had conservative views. He supported cooperation between the English and Afrikaners and identified as South African rather than as an Englishman in South Africa. He believed the war was “unjust and unjustifiable” and tried to prevent it, reduce its duration, and mitigate its effects.
His letters and diary entries reflect his dual role as a political participant and observer, as well as his dual identity as a South African and an Englishman. This gives the depth and immediacy of his writing, capturing the complexity of his experience during the Anglo-Boer War.
11. Boer War Memorabilia – The Collectors’ Guide
Last on our list is this book by Pieter Oosthuizen, which is special for all collectors like myself. Boer War ornaments, keepsakes, and commemorative pieces, manufactured in many countries, ranged from umbrella stands to postage stamps. Such as France, Germany, the USA, Australia, Canada and Holland. These included artefacts by prisoners-of-war in camps scattered as far and wide by among others, Winston Churchill.
The Boer War Memorabilia book, while not complete, is based on the author’s collection as well as those of other well-known collectors. It is equally valuable for historians as collectors. Which makes it special among our list of Anglo-War books.
BookBay: Your Ultimate Bookstore and Community to Join
It is a premium online bookstore that caters to the discerning tastes of book enthusiasts. Throughout BookBay, customers will discover a carefully curated collection of books that reflects the company’s commitment to excellence. Whether you’re looking for essential books for small business owners or South African cookbooks, Bookbay has it all.
In this store, emerging writers can embark on their literary journeys as well as seasoned authors who have perfected their craft. BookBay offers a handpicked selection spanning various genres, ensuring that there is something for every type of reader to discover and enjoy.
Conclusion
The Anglo-Boer War was a significant conflict that shaped the history of South Africa and involved many notable figures. The books we’ve listed provide comprehensive and diverse perspectives on the war, covering everything from military strategies and battles to the experiences of black South Africans and key political figures.
Whether you are a collector, historian, or simply a book enthusiast, these works offer valuable insights and detailed accounts of the war.
1 Comment