Description
The only comprehensive encyclopedia on the Boer War available, this volume offers A–Z entries on the war's origins, military strategy and tactics, main battles and sieges, major political and military figures, weaponry, and other related topics.
Reviews
\"Because there are not many reference books available on this war, this one is recommended for the collections of academic and large public libraries as well as interested special collections.\"
- American Reference Books Annual
\"This is a deeply impressive book ... a monumental achievement and the author must be congratulated on also making the entries highly readable.\"
- Military Illustrated
Contents
Foreword vii
Introduction: The White Men Arrive; The British Presence; Boer Independence; The Anglo-Boer War 1899–1902; Map of Africa; The Progress of the War; Guerrilla War. ix
Chronology xxi
A–Z 1
Appendix: British Forces 283
Appendix: Boer Forces 303
Appendix: Concentration and Refugee Camps 306
Appendix (Documents):
The Battle of Elandslaagte by G. W. Steevens, journalist. 308
The Battle of Belmont by Lt. C. W. Barton, 2nd Northamptons. 312
The Battle of Magersfontein by Pvt. J. Williamson, 2nd Black Watch. 315
The Hunt for De Wet by Pvt. F. Everett, 1st Northampton Rifle Volunteers. 316
Report to the Committee of the Distress Fund for South African Women and Children by Emily Hobhouse. 320
Peace Negotiations:
The Middelberg Proposal: Lord Kitchener to Commandant-General Botha, Pretoria, March 7, 1901. 359
Extracts from the minutes of the first meeting of the National [Boer] Representatives at Vereeniging, 15–17 May, 1902. 361
Extracts from the minutes of the conference at Pretoria between the Committee of the National Representatives and Lords Kitchener and Milner, 19–28 May, 1902. 376
Extracts from the minutes of the second meeting of the National Representatives at Vereeniging, 29–31 May, 1902. 388
Bibliography 399
Index 405
This encyclopedia has been arranged so that the reader can access the information in more than one way. If a particular topic is dealt with under a headword, it is possible to go immediately to the relevant page within the A–Z section. Alternatively, the headwords can be found in the chronology, where they are shown in bold type, and thus the entries can be consulted in the sequence of the events they describe. The Introduction attempts to discuss some of the broader issues that are of interest in the study of the Anglo-Boer War of 1899–1902 and the Index provides access to references to people, places or things which are not necessarily the principal subject of the main entries, but which can be found within the entries.
The appendix material at the end of the book includes first-hand reports of a number of incidents which reflect not only something of the experience described but also something of the attitudes common at the time which are, perhaps, a little strange to the modern reader. There are also some original documents, chosen because they are commonly misquoted or misrepresented, either by accident or design, by writers with a particular view to promote.
I have tried to remain objective in what I have written, but in some instances I have certainly failed. Where contrary views of substance are known to me, I have pointed them out. The critical reader will have no difficulty in guessing that, for example, I think Sir Redvers Buller has been unjustly treated by some historians. The references cited include works providing views which differ from my own as well as books that go more deeply into the issues than is possible here. The main entries are linked to other entries by see alsosuggestions which I hope will lead to unexpected and satisfying new information as well as offering a narrative thread to follow.
The preparation of this book owes much to those to whom I have spoken and to whom I have listened in recent years. They are many, and too many to list here. However, it is impossible to omit words of appreciation to Dr Stephen Badsey, Fiona Barbour, Professor Ian Beckett, David Bryant, Brigit Carlstein, George Durrant, Johan Hattingh, Colonel F. J. Jacobs, Professor John Laband, Pam McFadden, Doug McMaster, Professor William Nasson, Colonel Mike Nolan, Colonel J. E. Nowers, Professor Fransjohan Pretorius, Maggie Lindsay Roxburgh, Thomas B. Smyth, Professor André Wessels, Lieutenant-commander Brian Witts and Colonel P. Worthy.
For permission to reproduce illustrations I am grateful to the Bodleian Library, Oxford, the McGregor Museum, Kimberley, Northern Cape, the Museum of the Northamptonshire Regiment, The Royal Engineers Museum, Chatham, and the Talana Museum, Dundee, Natal. I have benefited from the generosity of owners of private collections, and I am indebted to Dermot Bambridge, Doug McMaster, Deirdre Mobbs and Jan Deneys Reitz. The papers of Lord Methuen are the property of the Trustees of the Corsham Estate and I thank James Methuen-Campbell for permitting the use of the annotated map of the Modder River Bridge. |
发表于 2006-7-4 23:02:53