The Victoria Cross in Zululand and South Africa: Isandhlwana and Rorke’s Drift – Major W. J. Elliott

The Victoria Cross in Zululand and South Africa: Isandhlwana and Rorke’s Drift by Major W. J. Elliott is a highly collectable limited-edition facsimile reprint dealing with some of the most famous events of the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. Published by Africana Book Collectors of Pietermaritzburg in 1990, this edition forms Pamphlet Series No. 7 and was strictly limited to only 300 numbered copies, with this example being No. 152.

Originally published in the Victorian era by Dean & Son of Fleet Street, London, The Victoria Cross in Zululand recounts the campaign in Zululand and the extraordinary acts of courage associated with it.

The Victoria Cross in Zululand reproduces the period text and illustrations, retaining much of the visual character of the original publication. Elliott’s narrative is particularly interesting as a Victorian-era interpretation of the conflict, reflecting contemporary British attitudes towards military heroism, the Victoria Cross, the Zulu Kingdom and the campaign itself.

This numbered 1990 edition has additional appeal for collectors of Natal history, Zululand, Anglo-Zulu War material, Africana, Rorke’s Drift and Victoria Cross literature. Its small limitation of 300 copies makes it substantially scarcer than an ordinary modern reprint.

Condition – Good

The illustrated green covers show noticeable shelf and handling wear, particularly along the spine, lower front edge and corners, with areas of surface loss and rubbing clearly visible. The spine remains intact. Internally the book is generally clean and sound, although scattered foxing and age-related spotting are present, particularly around the preliminary pages. Numbered by hand 152 of 300 on the limitation page. A solid collectable copy despite the external wear.