Mixed Humanity: A Story of Camp Life in South Africa by J.R. Couper is a personal account of the author’s experiences in the British concentration camps during the Second Anglo-Boer War (1899–1902). The book focuses on the lives of those confined to these camps, primarily Boer civilians, and provides a detailed and poignant portrayal of the harsh conditions they endured.

Couper, who was a member of the British forces, offers a first-hand perspective on the day-to-day struggles within the camps, where overcrowding, disease, and inadequate provisions led to immense suffering, particularly among women and children. The narrative also touches on the broader social and political context of the war, offering insights into the lives of various groups caught in the conflict, including the Boer civilians, British soldiers, and the African populations affected by the war.

Mixed Humanity presents a humanizing look at the often overlooked aspects of the Anglo-Boer War, focusing on the resilience of those trapped in the camps and the profound toll the war took on South Africa’s civilian population. It is a significant contribution to the historical understanding of the war and its impact on the people who lived through it.