Description
1967 First American edition. Dust jacket has some wear and tears. Hardcover has some minor wear along the sides, scuffs and marks. Spine has some wear on the top and bottom. Pages are clean and the binding is secure.
This well-preserved copy of “Mafeking: A Victorian Legend” offers a fascinating glimpse into one of the most iconic sieges of the Second Boer War. Brian Gardner’s meticulously researched account brings to life the 217-day siege of the small British garrison in Mafeking, South Africa, by Boer forces in 1899-1900. The siege, led by the charismatic Robert Baden-Powell, became a symbol of British resilience and sparked a wave of patriotic fervor back home, earning Baden-Powell national hero status. Gardner’s narrative not only captures the military strategies and hardships endured by the besieged troops but also delves into the cultural impact of the siege, exploring how it was mythologized in Victorian popular culture through songs, plays, and merchandise. This first American edition offers collectors a chance to own a piece of history that sheds light on a pivotal moment in the waning years of the British Empire and the birth of modern celebrity culture.
