DE LA REY: LION OF THE WEST. Johannes Meintjes

Hugh Keartland Publishers, Johannesburg 1966.

Hardcover with dustcover, 432 pages. Very good condition. The dustcover shows signs of use. The pages are neat and clean and the binding is good. 

De La Rey Lion of the West is the first full biography of the legendary Boer General, Jacobus Hercules De la Rey. Written by Johannes Meintjes, this 1966 work provides an in-depth exploration of De la Reys life, drawing from extensive unpublished material. Described as a man of unparalleled military genius and deep personal integrity, De la Rey was a key figure in the Anglo-Boer War, earning admiration from both allies and enemies. The book follows his journey from humble beginnings in the Free State and Transvaal, through his rise as a military leader in the First War of Independence, and onto his remarkable role in the Boer War. His leadership in battles such as Modder River, Magersfontein, and Tweebosch is vividly detailed, showcasing his tactical brilliance and unwavering determination. Beyond the battlefield, the biography explores De la Reys involvement in the Treaty of Vereeniging, his presence at the Durban Convention, and his fateful final days leading up to his tragic death on 15 September 1914. The book also introduces intriguing elements, such as his connection to the enigmatic Prophet Van Rensburg, adding layers of mystery and prophecy to his life story. Meintjes masterfully captures De la Reys charactera man of power, warmth, humour, and deep patriotismwhile also delving into the complexities of his later years, filled with political intrigue, personal struggles, and an ultimate sense of destiny.