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Top 5 Books for Your Isandlwana and Rorkes Drift Tour

A request I get quite often is about what books I would recommend, so here is my top 5 books for your iSandlwana and Rorkes Drift Tour.

Before getting to the list, I should make clear that this is naturally only my opinion, and another guide might have a different list of books, and that’s ok. Also, my theory as to the events of the day differs sometimes from what others think, and that’s also ok.

My Top 5 Book List Index

Before cracking on to my top 5 books and why they are so helpful, I do want to point out that there are many books on the subject, and I own most of them (much to the horror of my bank manager). So these books are just the tip of the iceberg and are a launching point for you to discover more about the events of 1879.

Washing of the Spears – Donald R Morris

This was really the book that started it all! First published in 1965, the “Washing of the Spears“, is an incredibly detailed history of Anglo-Zulu War that captured my (and others) imagination and kick-started my personal journey into becoming a battlefields guide.

Today the book is criticised a great deal for having gotten a few things wrong and failing to seek out the Zulu point of view. Having said that though, some of the criticisms are really subjective and on the whole make very little difference to the events themselves.

It’s quite amazing to think that the author, an American naval intelligence officer who never visited South Africa (he wrote W.O.T.S. during the apartheid years in SA) and relied on the South Africa Post Office (gulp) to send queries back and forth to eminent historians of the time could even put something like this together!

The book is the very epitome of a “tome”, it’s long and very detailed, diving into the history of the Boers, the Dutch arrivals, the British colonisation of the period, the Zulu history as well as backgrounds in individuals such as Sir Bartle Frere, Lord Chlemsford, King Cetswayo kaMpanda and many many more.

This is not a book that you can use as a reference book, it’s more for the passionate amateur historian looking to be caught up on the Anglo Zulu War over the course of many evenings, preferably in a comfy wingback chair next to a warming fire with a glass of your best tipple.

You can still find the book in loads of pre-loved book dealers, Amazon and more.

Isandlwana – Adrian Greaves

If you are booked on a tour to Rorkes Drift and Isandlwana with me or another tour operator, then I think the book “Isandlwana” will go a long way in helping you to understand the events that occurred here in January of 1879.

Event today there is still argument and discussion over what exactly happened at iSandlwana thanks to the fact that most that fought there on the British side dies, and those that survived were to focused on surviving to worry about making notes!

This book is written in an easy way to understand and is perfect for those wanting a broad overview. Although the author makes some conclusions I simply don’t agree with, on the whole it’s a solid, easy to digest, factual account of the battle of iSandlwana.

You can find copies on Amazon and Google Read and most book stores will happily order for you.

What Really Happened at Rorkes Drift – Pat Rundgren

First off, I have to mention that I knew Pat personally. Before he passed away in June of ’24, Pat and I had worked together for many years. Pat was my guide of choice when I personally couldn’t conduct a tour, and when there were educationals, he was the one I looked forward learning from the most.

Pat had a very dry sense of humour which is evident in the manner of which the book is written.

So what really happened at Rorkes Drift? You would think that since most of the 100-odd British troops garrisoned there survived, that there would be a clear timeline and detailed explanation for the battle.

Fact is, there is not. Sure, we know more or less when the battle started, and more or less when it finished. We also kinda know where everyone was and mostly where their died. But there are still gaps.

More than anything though, I think it’s the 11 VC’s that were awarded that cause the confusion. Just 100+ British soldiers somehow beat off 4500 Zulu warriors? How? Over 19,000 round fired off during the battle and as little as 350 Zulu dead? How? And was Adendorff really there?

Pat’s book try’s to answer these questions (except the Ardendorff one, I’m being factious) and comes up with his own theory. I will say that when he mentioned his theory on the battlefield forums, well let’s just say he stirred up a hornets nest – no one likes their faith to be tested!

Since his passing, I wasn’t able to find our where to buy a copy of his book, but if you are keen, let me know and I’ll get in touch with the guides association and find out if there are any copies still available.

Companion to the Anglo Zulu War – Ian Knight

Unlike the other books mentioned, the “Companion to the Anglo Zulu War” is more of an encyclopedia than a historical novel liek those before it. Subjects such as “dogs”, “paintings”and the ‘naval brigade” are all discussed in great detail.

There are discussions around the Soldiers mess, the weapons used in the period, the “inkatha” and much much more.

Personally I am fascinated by the logistics of the Anglo Zulu War. Imagine for yourself, being in command of 18,000 men, all of them requiring food, water and firewood. They all require ammunition, medical supplies, pots, tents and so on and so on.

Well in this book you can read up on the wagon situation that Chelmsford was faced with, or the type of tinned foods available, or explore the Zulu and British tactics of the time.

I never conduct my battlefield tours without this guide at my side – apart from helping answer guests questions, the book also provides hours of fascinating facts that helps understand more the difficulties and challenges of the time.

My copy was gifted to me but I’m sure you can purchase a copy on Amazon or even reach out to Ian directly on his Facebook group.

Zulu Rising – Ian Knight

Another entry by the historian Ian Knight, this fantastic 700+ page book that reads almost like a novel, recounts the reasons that led to the Anglo Zulu War and covers in thrilling language the battled of iSandlwana and Rorkes Drift.

Knight delves into the reasons of the Anglo Zulu Way much like Morris did years before and, naturally thanks to better access to information and I think more sources, Knight is able to put together I think a far more accurate historical picture.

I will say that the differences between Knight and Morris are quite minor, Knight’s book is definitely easier to read.

Naturally like all books of this nature, there are criticisms, some well deserved, some very minor – and the whole though, this book is one of my favourites, so much so that I am on my 2nd copy this the first fell apart thanks to many trips to the battlefields.

Again, you get a copy from almost any bookstore, online or brick; or you can reach out to Ian on his Facebook group.

Want o Explore Rorkes Drift and iSandlwana in More Detail?

I run a number of tours from Durban to Rorkes Drift and iSandlwana. Have a look at my battlefields page and you can select from my one day tours, or any of the multi-day tours.

If you want something slightly different to the itineraries I have here, you can contact me and I’ll put together Rorkes Drift and iSandlwana tour package that will meet your requirements.