Rhodes: A Life

Rhodes: A Life by J.G. McDonald is a detailed and insightful biography of Cecil John Rhodes, one of the most influential—and controversial—figures in British imperial history. This compelling account traces Rhodes’s rise from a sickly youth to a mining magnate, politician, and empire builder whose legacy still shapes southern Africa today.

McDonald explores Rhodes’s ambitions, ideologies, and achievements with a critical yet balanced eye. From his role in the diamond industry and the founding of De Beers, to the formation of Rhodesia and his tenure as Prime Minister of the Cape Colony, the book delves into the complexity of a man driven by vision, power, and a belief in British colonial destiny.

Beyond the public persona, Rhodes: A Life also examines Rhodes’s personal relationships, his enigmatic character, and the enduring impact of his policies and enterprises. Drawing on historical sources, correspondence, and contemporary accounts, McDonald provides a portrait of a man whose influence extended far beyond his time—and whose legacy remains fiercely debated.

This biography is essential reading for those interested in African colonial history, British imperialism, and the figures who shaped the modern geopolitical landscape of southern Africa.