HARRY SMITH'S LAST THROW: THE EIGHTH FRONTIER WAR, 1850-1853.

London: Frontline, 2012. 310 pp, 9 1/2" H. B&w maps, photographs, reproductions. "(T)ells the harrowing story of the Eighth Frontier War against the Xhosa people of the Eastern Cape, often from the viewpoint of those actually doing the fighting. This desperate struggle for land invoked an increasingly brutal style of warfare. The Xhosa had previously fought with some chivalry, refusing to make war on women and children, just as they had in their own internecine wars. The Eighth War changed all that and vicious killings were perpetrated by both sides. The 'Harry Smith' of the title is the famous 19th century British soldier, Sir Henry George Wakelyn Smith, who served at the Cape of Good Hope on two occasions. The first was in the years 1828-1835, during which he was second-in-command to Sir Benjamin D'Urban. This ended with Smith departing the Cape under a cloud after his involvement in the murder of the Xhosa paramount chief Hintsa. His second period of service, between 1847 and 1853, was as Sir Harry Smith, baronet, the hero of Aliwal. His appointment then was as Governor and High Commissioner. Although Smith claimed to have ended the Seventh Frontier War in 1847, shortly after his arrival, his greater claim to fame was his management of the Eighth War, which he himself did much to foster. (This book) endeavours to re-evaluate Smith's role as one of the prime causes of the war, and provides a full and engaging account of this important, yet often overlooked, episode in history." Very minor dent on bottom edge of rear board. Dust jacket has a tiny dent on the front hinge, some very minor edge wrinkling.. First Edition. Hard Cover. Very Good+/Very Good.