Publications: A historiography of the Anglo-Boer War 1899-1902: 120 years of fruitful labour

ABSTRAC / SAMEVATTTING

In this paper a quick glance is taken at some of the more important themes and works on the Anglo-Boer War that have been published between 1899 and 2019. More or less a thematic approach is followed. Reference is made to published reminiscences, diaries and letters of the war. British literature and Afrikaner nationalist historiography before the 1970s are investigated, followed by a discussion of more objective tendencies. Other themes are topics on military history; biographies and the role of military commanders; politics, particularly on the origins of the war; social history, notably the role and position of Africans, the concentration camps, gender studies, British society, and life of the ordinary combatant; the British colonies in the war; Boer prisoners of war; medical histories; the Peace of Vereeniging; and the aftermath of war. It is concluded that the historiography of the Anglo-Boer War has indeed seen 120 years of fruitful labour. And yet more is to come.

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