Written by Nicki Von Der Heyde, Guide to Sieges of South Africa, offers
a fascinating read that will appeal to anyone interested in the volatile
history of the country – armchair historians and travellers alike.
A companion volume to the highly successful
Field Guide to the Battlefields of South
Africa, this new guide covers pivotal sieges that characterised the Cape
Frontier, Anglo-Zulu, Basotho and Anglo-Boer wars. It presents 17 sieges over
the last two centuries and explores in detail the historical context in which
they occurred, the day-to-day military actions that sustained the investments,
and the conditions both soldiers and civilians faced.
The siege descriptions are animated by
maps, timelines and a variety of information boxes and human-interest stories,
gleaned from diaries, letters and eye-witness accounts. The book also provides
practical information for visitors wishing to explore these historical sites.
Nicki von der Heyde graduated from the
University of Cape Town having read English and History, and later combined her
love for both travel and South African war history by becoming a specialist
guide to the Anglo-Zulu and Anglo Boer War battlefields in KZN, where she is
known for her expert knowledge and passion for her subject. Her first book, Field Guide to the Battlefields of South
Africa was shortlisted for the Nielsen award and over
Some 7,000 copies have been sold to date.
She is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and an honorary life member
of the Anglo-Zulu War Historical Society. ISBN: 9781775842019. RRP: R300.00.
The book is published by Penguin Random
House and will be launched at Adams at Musgrave on June 25 from 17h30 with two entertaining speakers - Professor Donal McCracken and
Nicky Von Der Heyde. Those wishing to attend
should RSVP to Debbie Catlett at musgrave@adamsbooks.co.za
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