Traders during the Anglo-Zulu War, 1879. The Experiences of Two European Civilians Cetshwayo's Dutchman & John Dunn's Notes

Cetshwayo's Dutchman & John Dunn's Notes

Two essential adventures and perspectives on the Anglo-Zulu War

The subjects of this Leonaur edition, Cornelius Vijn and John Dunn were Europeans who lived and operated within the Zulu Kingdom, but had entirely different experiences when the Anglo-Zulu War broke out in 1879. While Dunn ultimately, and against his initial wishes, served as an intelligence officer for the British force, Vijn found himself behind Zulu lines under the tenuous protection of King Cetshwayo. Dunn was a British settler who became one of King Cetshwayo's most trusted advisors before the war which earned him the status of a chieftain. When the British under Chelmsford became set upon invasion, Dunn attempted to stay neutral. However, he was compelled to partiality by his countrymen who cautioned him that he risked being treated as a traitor. He provided expert knowledge of Zulu tactics and terrain as well as intelligence on developing affairs, which proved crucial during the Relief of Eshowe and the Battle of Gingindlovu, in which he took an active part. This edition also contains the additional first hand experiences of a British officer who was in close contact with Dunn at this time. Young Vijn was a Dutch trader whose relationships with the king put him in close proximity to escalating events. He served as the King's secretary and translator, handling communications between Cetshwayo and the British so providing posterity with a rare insider's perspective into the war from the Zulu camp.

Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket.