Jameson’s Raid: The Prelude to the Boer War by Elizabeth Longford

Jameson’s Raid: The Prelude to the Boer War by Elizabeth Longford is an absorbing historical study of one of the most consequential episodes in late nineteenth-century Southern African history. Originally published in 1960 and issued here in a new edition by Jonathan Ball Publishers in 1982, the book examines the notorious Jameson Raid of 1895–1896 and the political manoeuvring, personalities and ambitions that surrounded it.

Led by Dr Leander Starr Jameson, Jameson’s Raid into the South African Republic became deeply entangled with the political interests of Cecil John Rhodes, the Uitlander question, British imperial ambitions and the increasingly strained relationship between Britain and the Boer republics. Longford places the raid within its wider historical setting, exploring not simply the military adventure itself but the personalities and political calculations that helped create the crisis.

Particular attention is given to Jameson, Rhodes, President Paul Kruger, Joseph Chamberlain and other important figures whose actions shaped events in southern Africa during this turbulent period. The aftermath of the raid had far-reaching political consequences and contributed to the deterioration of Anglo-Boer relations in the years preceding the South African War of 1899–1902.

Illustrated with black-and-white photographs and other historical material, Jameson’s Raid remains a useful and highly readable work for collectors of Africana, students of colonial history and readers interested in the origins of the Anglo-Boer War.

Condition – Good

Hardcover in original illustrated dust jacket. Red boards and gilt spine lettering remain attractive. Dust jacket shows rubbing, edge wear, creasing and small tears, particularly around the extremities. Noticeable foxing to the endpapers with lighter age-related spotting elsewhere. Binding remains sound and the text is generally clean.