The Downfall of Lobengula - W.A. Wills and L.T. Collinridge

*includes two foldout maps*

THE Downfall of Lobengula, a valuable and fascinating piece of Rhodesiana, is generally regarded as the British South Africa Companys official account of the Matabele War of 1893. The work covers the period from the arrival of the Matabele King, Mzilikazi, in present-day Rhodesia, to the death of his successor, Lobengula. It traces the origins of the Chartered Company and the Occupation by the Pioneer Column in 1890. It was published only nine months after the disastrous loss of the Shangani Patrol and contains an interesting biographical section on those who lost their lives in the fighting.

It is well illustrated in respect of the military engagements and the personalities involved. Written from the Chartered Companys standpoint, the account lacks the objectivity of an impartial history; nevertheless it is a fundamental work of reference and one of the most noteworthy to be reprinted in the Rhodesiana Reprint Library. Its publication in August, 1894 attracted considerable Press comment. The reception was mixed although most British reviewers welcomed it with enthusiasm. A most useful addition to this reprint is its comprehensive, newly-compiled index.

The reprint has undergone a slight reduction in page size to conform with the format of the series. This required redrawing of the subject matter of the cover which has also formed the basis of the dustcover treatment. The full-colour, British South Africa Company coat-of-arms reproduced on the back of the dust cover was kindly made available by The National Archives of Rhodesia.