The "Historical Dictionary of the Zulu Wars" unravels and elucidates Zulu history during the 50 years between the initial settler threat to the kingdom and its final dismemberment and absorption into the colonial order. This is done through a chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, maps and photos, and over 900 entries in the dictionary range widely to cover all the military campaigns and battles of the period, as well as the military systems, arms and equipment, logistical arrangements, military planning, fortifications, strongholds and individual units of the Zulu, Boers and British, including colonial volunteers and African levies and auxiliaries. Entries on significant political objectives and developments are also included, and Zululand is placed in its surrounding context through entries on neighboring states. Other entries discuss essential social, economic and cultural factors and the pervasive impact of war on civilians. Key players, both military and civilian, are covered in biographical entries.