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How Can Man Die Better

The Secrets of Isandlwana Revealed

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About this listen

On January 22, 1879, a massive Zulu host attacked the British Army's 24th Regiment in its encampment at the foot of the mountain of Isandlwana. It was the first major encounter in the Anglo-Zulu War and a disastrous defeat for the colonial power. Later that afternoon the victorious Zulus would strike the tiny British garrison at Rorke's Drift.

How Can Man Die Better is a unique analysis of the Battle of Isandlwana, covering the weapons, tactics, terrain, and the intriguing characters who made key military decisions. While much is still unknown about the battle, this work eschews the commonly held perception that the British collapse was sudden and that the 24th Regiment was quickly overwhelmed. Rather, historian Mike Snook argues that there was a protracted and heroic defense against a determined and equally heroic foe. A British Army colonel who served in South Africa, Snook reconstructs the final phase of the battle in a way that has never been attempted before.

©2005, 2010 Mike Snook (P)2021 Tantor Africa Europe Great Britain Military England United Kingdom War
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Like many I have read plenty,watched the film visited the IWM display and always thought Colonel Pulleine was to blame. This book blows it open and shows it was Dunford at fault. Remember in the film he is a dashing hero figure.
The true ignorance of the British Leadership is amazing to think the Zulu Warrior was a walk over.

The whole battle is over quickly and the 24th fought with honour and outstanding bravery. This is a sad story told brutally and read this then Rorkes Drift both are fast paced minute by minute accounts of 2 famous battles.

The Brutal Truth

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A fantastic listen an absolute must for anyone with an interest in the Anglo-Zulu War. Dispels a number of myths that have floated around this catastrophic battle.

Well read and with excellent pace.

Superb!

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loved it extremely interesting and well written and thought provoking well read also top class

excellent

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make sure you have copy of a map of the dispositions and topography or alternatively have excellent knowledge of both, the first part of the book will be difficult to understand without an appreciation of the battlefield and dispositions of both sides.

superb a definitive account

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