A detailed, thoroughly-researched book, with some wonderful illustrations. Having been brought up on the heroism of Rorke's Drift in the classic film Zulu, it is interesting to read the build up to that event and its 11 VCs. To discover that both Bromhead and Chard, the officers in charge at Rorke's Drift, were both left there because they were thought incompetent at best - and that in an army still commanded by 'gifted amateurs' who had bought their commisions! - is eye-opening. As usual, the story involves poor leadership (by Chelmsford), mistakes and bad luck, as well as eventual success and defeat of the Zulus. A readable and stimulating book, that sheds as much light on Britain's Imperial policy and class system as on the Victorian army. Recommended.