On 20 January 1879, the Centre Column of the British invasion force under the British Commander in Chief Lord Chelmsford, reached Isandlwana. Chelmsford's spies suggested a Zulu army was on its way to attack, so on 21 January he took a strong force of auxiliaries into the hills to scout them, leaving some 1700 white and native troops at camp. This action was futile as the main Zulu army of 24,000 men had moved across his front and was marching towards Isandlwana. This title employs new research to describe the formidable battle in greater detail, providing a brand new interpretation of the course of the action.

Author Biography

Ian Knight is one of the most respected English-language writers on the history of the Zulus and of the 1879 war. He has written more than 20 books on the subject and has made numerous television appearances including the Discovery Channel and Channel 4. He was the resident historian for the 2000 dig on the site of the battle of Isandlwana and consultant to the National Army Museum for their 'British Army in South Africa' exhibition.