His is a fascinating examination of an unusual aspect of the Zulu War, placed in the context of the wider mood of the times, and of the later development of Military Intelligence.

See the full review[link=http://www.historyofwar.org/bookpage/wade_empire_espionage.html] here [ /link]

history of war 2010

This volume explored the role of intelligence on the British side of the Anglo-Zulu war of 1879. The author covers the activities of British spies and diplomats and aims for a broad treatment of intelligence that encompasses localised military intelligence concerning the enemy, the intelligence used in the planning stags of the campaign, the work done by officers allotted intelligence duties, on the ground field intelligence and communication systems, and human intelligence.

Reference and Research Book News

Thirty illustrations are featured in this 256 page, hardcover book. It illuminates some rather rare and imperial operatives who managed to earn the respect and trust of native peoples and it delivers an intriguing and in-depth account of a key aspect of the war.

Toy Soldier and Model Figure Magazine

This book provides an analysis of intelligence gathering and implementation during the Anglo-Zulu war of 1879. The author has correctly identified this as an overlooked area in the recent burgeoning of intelligence studies. A wide range of individuals are covered in this engaging study, from commanders and diplomats, to spies and scouts.

There are some extraordinary stories described in this book. John Dunn, a settler of Scottish descent who had an intense knowledge and appreciation for Zulu culture, sided with the British during the Angle-Zulu war and eventually became ruler over a significant area of Zululand.

This book will be of great interest to readers interested in the development of military intelligence, although some prior knowledge of the Anglo-Zulu war is required in order to get the most from it.

Dr Jonathan Eaton

Espionage and diplomacy are essential and highly effective tools in any military operation, however, these intriguing aspects of warfare are all too often ignored in traditional histories of the colonial period. In this unique book, Wade addresses this imbalance, presenting an unusual and eye-opening account of the action that takes place away from the battlefield. Throughout the Anglo-Zulu War, both spies and diplomats played key roles in military operations by means of the intelligence they gathered and the connections and decisions they made. This book illustrates the significance of their roles through the engaging device of relating the stories of a number of highly influential individuals involved in intelligence/diplomacy. Individuals such as John Dunn, a British fighter who was to eventually become ruler of part of Zululand upon its conquest. Individuals such as the diplomat Sir Theophilus Shepstone, a man so greatly respected by the Zulus that they awarded him the title 'Somsewu' - the White Father. This captivating book lifts the lid on a neglected area of colonial history and, most fascinatingly, shows us how certain charismatic individuals were able to earn the respect and trust of the natives in these most testing conditions.

Lisa