The Zulus and Matabele: Warrior Nations

In the beginning was the glorious warrior king Shaka Zulu -- but this most celebrated fighter did not battle alone, nor did the struggle of the southern African nations end with his death. Lucid, authoritative, and enjoyable, this account chronicles the history of the Zulu and Matabele, their spectacular rise to power in the first half of the nineteenth century, and their bloody downfall at white hands as the century drew to a close. Meet the characters who spurred the people to greatness, follow the civil ways and rebellions with the "colonial masters" that afflicted them, and assess their effect in the evolving history of South Africa. Excellent maps and illustrations throughout -- an ideal introduction to the history of this reign.