Anatomy of a Rebel

Anatomy of a Rebel is a detailed and insightful biography of Ian Smith, the controversial figure who served as the last Prime Minister of Rhodesia. Written by Peter Joyce and first published in 1974, the book explores Smith’s life story—from his early years on a Rhodesian farm, through his time as a fighter pilot in World War II, to his rise in politics and eventual leadership of a government that defied global opinion.

The central focus of the biography is Smith’s pivotal role in the 1965 Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI), a moment that set Rhodesia on a path of political isolation and internal conflict. Joyce offers a thorough analysis of Smith’s personality, motivations, and political convictions, particularly his belief in maintaining white minority rule and resisting what he saw as premature majority governance.

Through interviews, historical records, and personal observations, the author constructs a portrait of a man both admired and reviled, whose actions helped shape the trajectory of Southern Africa in the latter half of the 20th century. Anatomy of a Rebel is essential reading for anyone interested in the complexities of Rhodesian politics and the legacy of one of its most polarizing leaders.