THE TIMES HISTORY OF THE WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA 1899 -1902 VOL I 13869
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PREFACE
In the present volume I have endeavoured to set before the reader a full account of the relation between the Imperial Government and the Dutch Republics in South Africa, of the the causes that led up to the final crisis, and of the protracted negotiations which preceded the outbreak of the great South African War. No study of the military operations themselves can be complete without at least some slight knowledge of the political situation of which the war was the outcome. The ultimatum, the invasion of Natal, the rebellion in Cape Colony, the part played in the war by the Uitlander corps, the stubbornness of the resistance offered by the Boers, the annexation of their territories, are all matters which can only be understood in the light of previous events. This and the fact that no adequate connected account of all the circumstances leading up to the war, has as yet appeared, will, I venture to think, be sufficient justification for prefixing this introductory volume to the series of volumes which are to narrate the course of the military operations.
The subject has been treated, as far as possible, from the historical point of view, though at so short an interval of time from the events themselves it is impossible altogether on some occasions, to avoid a controversial tone. Absolute impartiality in dealing with so momentous and so recent a conflict of political principles and political ambitions is perhaps hardly attainable. The nearest approach to it might be found in a series of histories in which, as in Browning’s Ring and the Book the subject would be treated from the point of view of each in turn of the principal sectors in the great drama. The present volume has been written frankly from the point of view of one who is convinced that the essential right and justice of the controversy have been with his own country, and that the policy which has been pursued by the British Government has been, both politically and morally, justifiable, There is, no doubt, a Boer side to the controversy, a point of view based on the memory of old grievances, on peculiar social and political ideals, on a far reaching national ambition. Bit it is not a sided which it easy for the ordinary reader to sympathize with, unless he can both appreciate and share the sentiments which have animated the burgers of the Republics in their hostility to the Imperial Government. To that side the present account, in so far as it endeavours to give a true description of the Boer policy and of Boer aspiration, can do no real injustice. There is, however, another view with which the account given in this volume is entirely incompatible. This is the pseudo-Boer or pro-Boer view , a view begotten mainly of ignorance as to the real character and aims of President Kruger’s policy. Given the same set of facts, it is possible to sympathize either with the British Government or with the Transvaal. It is a mere question of political preconceptions and preferences. Those who believe in progress, in honest government, in political liberty and equality, must, upon a true statement of the facts, be on the side of England. Those to whom nationalism is all in all, who hold that the creation of a national state, with racial and linguistic characteristics of its own, is the the one supreme object of political development, an object justifying every means taken for its attainment will naturally tend to be on the side of the Afrikander Republics. ….
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Description
Edited by L.S. Amery, published by Sampson Low, Marston and Company of London in 1900. Hard cover bound this First Edition copy is in Good condition, covered in plastic and without a dust jacket. The size of the book is 232x160x58mm.
xxiv plus 392pp. The covers are only Fair : spine is totally discoloured and chipped at head & tail; covers spotted. (Contrary to my usual practice, this vol will not be restored on the supposition that it will be rebound by the buyer. On request, restoration will be quoted as an extra.) There is some foxing limited mostly to the prelims, the first 35 pages and the last 7 sheets, but occasionally through’ the rest of the book, which appears unread. Top edge gilt, otherwise edges rough cut. Fold map, in fine condition in pocket; 21 b&w photog plates with tissue guards = complete in all respects. Please see our # 13870 and #13872 for uniform volumes IV and V. Extra postage will be required overseas.