Rorke’s Drift – A Victorian Epic by Michael Glover

Rorke’s Drift: A Victorian Epic by Michael Glover remains one of the most accessible and respected single-volume accounts of the famous Battle of Rorke’s Drift during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. Originally published in Great Britain by Leo Cooper and issued in South Africa by Purnell in 1975, this work combines engaging narrative history with careful military analysis, making it appealing to both collectors of Africana and readers of British imperial military history.

Michael Glover vividly reconstructs the dramatic defence of the mission station at Rorke’s Drift, where a small British garrison famously withstood repeated attacks by vastly superior Zulu forces. The book explores the personalities involved, tactical decisions, battlefield conditions, and the wider context of the Anglo-Zulu conflict, bringing one of the Victorian era’s most iconic military encounters to life. Glover’s writing balances readability with historical substance, making the volume equally suitable for collectors, researchers, and enthusiasts of nineteenth-century warfare.

Titles on the Anglo-Zulu War continue to enjoy strong collector demand in South Africa and internationally, particularly works focusing on Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana. This edition is especially desirable for readers interested in Southern African military history and Victorian campaigns. A solid addition to any Africana, military history, or colonial-era collection.

Condition – Very Good 

1975 hardcover with bright gilt titling to spine. Binding remains secure and internally clean. Dust jacket is in poor condition with heavy edge wear, tape repairs, and noticeable loss to the spine area. General handling and age wear to the jacket. Prior ownership inscription in ink on the front endpaper.