The Diary of Henry Francis Fynn

Henry Francis Fynn, The Diary of Henry Francis Fynn, Compiled from Original Sources and Edited by James Stuart, Formerly Under Secretary for Native Affairs, Natal, and D. McK. Malcolm Lecturer in Zulu, University of Natal. Pietermaritzburg: Shuter & Shooter, 2009.

Soft cover, card wraps, 341 pages, illustrations, two folding maps. 

Covers very slightly shelf-worn. Very good condition.

The diary of Henry Francis Fynn, now established as classic Africana, chronicles Natals history from 18241836. Fynn, the first white settler in Natal, landed at what is now Congella, rapidly learned Zulu, became friend and counsellor to Shaka, and was eventually ejected through the intrigue and treachery of Dingane.

The interim is packed with interest, excitement and that special kind of graphic reality stemming from deeply felt personal experiences, among which are Fynns astonishing recoverythanks to Zulu medicinefrom malaria; apparently imminent death by violence; his meetings with and influence upon Shaka; fantastic parades of seemingly endless warriors, as elaborately and ornately dressed as their womenfolk; the period of compulsory national mourning following the death of Shakas mother; Fynn's description of the stranded Grosvenor.

The original diary, faded almost to indecipherability, recalls vividly and evocatively the early, enchanting days of bygone Natal and Zululand.