Average customer rating:
- Great alpabet book
- The alphabet at its best
- Culture at its best
- A gorgeous tribute to African culture for children
- Twenty-six tribes of Africa and some of their customs.
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Ashanti to Zulu: African Traditions (Picture Puffin Books)
Margaret Musgrove
Manufacturer: Puffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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A Is for Africa
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A Story, a Story
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Jambo Means Hello: Swahili Alphabet Book (Picture Puffin Books)
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Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears: A West African Tale
ASIN: 0140546049 |
Customer Reviews:
Great alpabet book.......2006-06-03
This is a book that describes different African tribes from each letter of the alphabet. This is a great way to teach children about African tribes, and the book also pronounces each tribe so it is easier to read. The illustrations are wonderful and full of detail. This would be a great lesson in the classroom to learn about Africa. It would also be great to use each page as a poster or transparency.
The alphabet at its best.......2004-06-18
Ho hum, thought I when I first saw this book. Yet another African alphabet book. It wasn't too long ago that I read, "Jambo Means Hello", the Swahili alphabet book by Muriel Feelings that was published in 1974. That book was okay, but I was disappointed that it didn't distinguish between tribes or acknowledge the advance of technology in Africa in the 1970s. Then I picked up this 1976 Caldecott winning book and upon reading it I was stunned. This book is everything that "Jambo Mean Hello" SHOULD have been. With meticulously researched information, delicate details, and stunning illustrations this book deserves to be read to every single child in elementary school for as long as there are either children or schools.
The book goes through the alphabet by naming a different tribe for each letter. First of all, I was surprised that there actually was an African tribe for every letter in the alphabet. Shows what I know. As we view each tribe we get a stunning illustration of their clothing, towns or villages, and activities. Author Margaret Musgrove describes their life, picking out the most interesting details for each. Through this method we learn that in Baule legend the crocodiles aided them when they were at war with the Ashanti. Or we find out that in the Tuareg tribe the men are veiled and the women do most of the talking, storytelling, and poetry. From A to Z we see a wide spectrum of African inhabitants, ending with a map of Africa that shows where each tribe resides.
But it doesn't stop there. Feelings explains in her Author's Note in the front that modern technology is changing the face of African life, though she contends that the traditions pictured in this book are still being passed on from generation to generation. She points out that some customs mentioned here are unique and relate only to that particular tribe while other values and philosophies are shared by all. She is even so careful as to point out that many (not all) African language prefixes are added to denote the plural. She, however, has used the root words throughout the book for simplicity's sake. Should you have any doubts about the background of this author, you can read in a tiny note on the publication page that she lived and studied in Ghana for years and a list of publications consulted is included. And if you've any doubts about the illustrations, don't. As noted, even the interwoven designs at the corners of the pages are based on Kano Knots. Every article of clothing, every animal, every home depicted here is accurate and beautiful.
I don't mean to pooh-pooh "Jambo Means Hello", but that book hasn't got anything on the amazing "Ashanti to Zulu". It's stunning.
Culture at its best.......2003-02-11
This is an amazing book, practically one of a kind! The information, illustions, and luster of the indigenous African cultures is beautiful to behold. I recommed introducing young children to cultures and peoples as varied as the come to fully portray to them the true beauty of this creation, life. There is nothing so intricate, so inveloping and powerful as life in this form. Pronounciation is given for the tribes names to bring ease of reading, which is, in fact, very enjoyable.
A gorgeous tribute to African culture for children.......2002-08-25
"Ashanti to Zulu" presents 26 African tribes, from A to Z, and lets children learn something about the culture and customs of each one. Aside from being a learning experience, the book is visually eye-popping; the illustrations are so gorgeous you'll want to blow them up and frame them. The book won a well-deserved Caldecott Medal for the best illustrated children's book of 1977. It's a great book for helping children to learn about some of the peoples of our least-known populated continent, and the pictures will hold the kids mesmerized. It's a volume that belongs on every youngsters bookshelf.
Twenty-six tribes of Africa and some of their customs........1999-05-17
An A-to-Z alphabet book for children in which the examples for the letters are twenty-six different tribes in Africa, exhibiting some of their varied traditions and customs. Hence, children learn of other peoples. It was illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon and it won the 1977 Caldecott Medal for best illustration in a book for children.
Average customer rating:
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Fearful Hard Times: The Siege and Relief of Eshowe 1879
Ian Castle , and
Ian Knight
Manufacturer: Greenhill Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 1853671800 |
Average customer rating:
- Brilliant book
- None Better
- The Washing of the Spears
- If you only buy one book....
- Still the definitive work, and very enjoyable, too!
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The Washing of the Spears: A History of the Rise of the Zulu Nation Under Shaka and Its Fall in the Zulu War of 1879
Donald R. Morris
Manufacturer: Da Capo Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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The Scramble for Africa: White Man's Conquest of the Dark Continent from 1876-1912
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Rorke's Drift 1879: Pinned like Rats in a Hole' (Praeger Illustrated Military History)
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Shaka Zulu: The Biography of the Founder of the Zulu Nation
ASIN: 0306808668 |
Customer Reviews:
Brilliant book.......2006-12-14
This is the classical and ironically still the best history of the Zulus ever written, authorative and not dated after all these years. The Zulus were a tribe of Bantu speakers who immigrated sometime in the 1500-1600s from what is today Tanzania and Mozambique into modern SOuth Africa. THere they came up against the Xhosas, Swazis and Sotho as well as other tribes. The Zulu were something of the Romans of Africa, inventing a new fighting style that led them to crush other tribes. In fact the period of Zulu hegemony is known as the 'crushing' to this day. As the Zulus expanded in the mid 1800s they came upon the Dutch speaking Afrikaaners who were fleeing British rule at the Cape and war resulted. LAter in 1879 when the Zulus had been pushed and hemmed into eastern south Africa they defeated a number of British columns until finally being overwhelmed. Their hereditary chiefs run the tribe to this day and Chief Buthelezi, who ran Zululand until 1994 and led the Inkatha Freedom Party in SOuth Africa since, penned an introduction. This is a book from the Zulu point of view but nevertheless a brilliant account proving that the 'racism of orientalism' is a complete fabrication. The British loved and admired the Zulus.
Seth J. Frantzman
None Better.......2006-08-04
This is the "gold standard" for histories on the Zulu nation and its' wars. The writing is excellent, easy to read and very informative. Excellent research allows the author to document facts. This is the place to start and might be the book that you want to read as a review after your studies are completed.
The Washing of the Spears.......2006-05-18
I first bought this book in the early 70s and found it both a fascinating read and a "ripping yarn". I am on my fourth edition of this book (the others have been borrowed and not returned or worn out on campaign). The book gives an excellent history of the "people of heaven" written before the era of political correctness that characterises much of the modern work on this emotional subject. Contrary to much popular opinion it is not a one sided book, British and colonial officers and officials are critiscised when necessary and I do not believe anyone can take offense at the "noble savage" depiction of the Zulus. The book covers the origins of the Zulu nation from the very start up until the defeat at Ulundi and the political consequences thereafter.
The battles are described in some detail and still set my heart racing whether they are describing inter tribal wars or those between the Zulus and their British or Boer enemies, the defeat (or victory depending upon your point of view) at Isandlwana is a particularly exciting read. One reviewer has said "if you only buy one book, this should be it" I agree entirely, it is without doubt the most interesting and entertaining book I have ever read (about 20 times) and would strongly recommend it to anyone with an interest in history, colonial or otherwise
If you only buy one book...........2006-02-20
A timeless work and for many people the definitive. Suggested by some to be out of date, but jeez - it is just so good to read. Many other excellent texts dealing with the topic, but if you only want one, make it this one.
Still the definitive work, and very enjoyable, too!.......2006-01-31
Several of the previous reviewers describe Morris' masterwork as "outdated" or even "dated," yet they provide no real evidence for their claims. I suspect they really mean it ignores the political sensibilities in vogue among some 21st century readers, and what history worth it's salt wouldn't be expected to? This is a work of objective history. Its narrative is accurate. Events which happened after it was written are, of course, not included, but since the period covered by the book ends in the 19th century, that's hardly a problem. Far from being just a military history of the Zulu War, "The Washing of the Spears" begins with a survey of African history beginning in prehistoric times which should be particularly instructive to any interested modern reader because it is free from the political pressures which today intrude upon even the best efforts. For example, I think it will come as a surprise to those educated in this age of historical revisionism to learn that no native population existed in South Africa at the time Europeans first arrived.
In short, this is a great history, worth its weight in gold, and very enjoyable, too!
Average customer rating:
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Storytelling Songs of Zulu Women: Recording Archetypal Rites of Passage and Mythic Paths
Harold Scheub
Manufacturer: Edwin Mellen Pr
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ASIN: 0773457410 |
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- A concise guide on how to achieve wealth from shares
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The Zulu Principle: Making Extraordinary Profits from Ordinary Shares
Jim Slater
Manufacturer: Trafalgar Square
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 1857970950 |
Customer Reviews:
A concise guide on how to achieve wealth from shares.......1999-11-06
If you are at all interested in making serious money without having to break your back for it, then this book is a must for you. It is a simple guide on selecting shares in undervalued, unnoticed and usually small companies, using mathematical principles and common sense. However like everything else, you have to actually apply the principles and be disciplined in your activity to make it pay for you. The great thing about the book is that you need no prior financial grounding to understand it. It also takes you through each step from selection to sale without any area of ambiguity. Alltogether a true classic.
Average customer rating:
- Decent book, be careful to buy the one with the audio!
- A Good Start
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Teach Yourself Zulu Complete Course Package (Book + 2CDs) (Teach Yourself . . . Complete Courses)
Arnett Wilkes , and
Nikolias Nkosi
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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A History of South Africa, Third Edition
ASIN: 0071434437 |
Book Description
Vacation on the veldt? Teach yourself Zulu!
With Teach Yourself it's possible for virtually anyone to learn and experience the languages of the world, from Afrikaans to Zulu; Ancient Greek to Modern Persian; Beginner's Latin to Biblical Hebrew. Follow any of the
Teach Yourself Language Courses Audiopackages at your own pace or use them as a supplement to formal courses. These complete courses are professionally designed for self-guided study, making them one of the most enjoyable and easy to use language courses you can find. Audiopackages include an instructional paperback book and two companion 60-minute audio CDs.
Prepared by experts in the language, each course begins with the basics and gradually promotes the student to a level of smooth and confident communication, including:
- Step-by-step guide to pronunciation and grammar
- Regular and irregular verb tables
- Plenty of practice exercises and answers
- Practical vocabulary and a bilingual glossary
- Clear, uncluttered, and user-friendly layout
- An exploration of the culture
- And much more
Customer Reviews:
Decent book, be careful to buy the one with the audio!.......2006-04-07
I've just gotten into the book, and it seems fine to me. Definitely a beginners book, but that's what I wanted. I was under the impression it came with a cassette or CD (the book even refers to listening excercises on the cassette), but this one doesn't come with it. There is another item on Amazon (same book or at least the same general title and authors) that says Audiopackage specifically in the title - buy that one.
A Good Start.......2005-09-07
As a student of various languages, I have always been intrigued by the languages of South Africa; in particular, their click consonants. I was looking for resources in Xhosa, and instead came across this book. Zulu, I have been told (and can affirm), is easier than Xhosa. This book begins with a decent introduction to Zulu's phonology and orthography; but I think it could have been more detailed and with more examples (especially on the CDs). The course is decently structured and seems to cater to both serious students and casual students (ie, those going to South Africa or a neighbouring country). It goes beyond the language itself, into topics such as some aspects of the Zulu people's culture. This book is a great reference for beginners of Zulu; and worth the price.
Average customer rating:
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The Zulu War (Men at Arms Series, 57)
Manufacturer: Osprey Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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The Sudan Campaigns 1881-98 (Men-at-Arms)
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Rorke's Drift 1879: Pinned like Rats in a Hole' (Praeger Illustrated Military History)
ASIN: 0850452562
Release Date: 1976-01-01 |
Book Description
By the end of the nineteenth century the fame of the Zulu was world-wide, and their army was one of the few non-European military organisations to have become the subject of serious historical study. Their very name is still synonymous with bravery, discipline and military skill. This excellent addition to Osprey's Men-at-Arms series tells the story of the Zulu's at war, from their rise to unrivalled power under the fearsome Shaka to the final devastating defeat against the British at Ulundi, detailing Zulu weapons and tactics, and the famous battles in which they fought.
Customer Reviews:
The Magic of McBride.......2003-12-19
Angus McBride is one of the best Military Illustrators on the scene. His work is always interesting , realistic , convincing & coupled with a very sly sense of humor. If your forte is Military History and want an idea of what a warrior looks like from the past. You could do a whole lot worse than this series. (I myself own over 300 of them and use them a lot in my classroom) The only down side of this series is that the written part is usally not up to the caliber of the illustrations.
Average customer rating:
- A fine survey of the wilderness of South Africa
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Zulu Wilderness: Shadow and Soul
Ian Player
Manufacturer: Fulcrum Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 1555913636 |
Customer Reviews:
A fine survey of the wilderness of South Africa.......2004-11-09
Ian Player's Zulu Wilderness could also have been featured in our biography section, for really, it's as much a personal memoir of the author's experiences traveling in the African wilderness and his work as a conservationist as it is a travelogue of the region - but it's featured here for its fine survey of the wilderness of South Africa, the social and conservation issues at hand, and its exciting 'you are there' adventure sensation. Very highly recommended: gripping and hard to put down.
Average customer rating:
- David Rattray's Guidebook to the Anglo-Zulu War Battlefields
- Probably close as I ever get to South Africa
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David Rattray's Guide Book to the Anglo-Zulu War Battlefields
David Rattray , and
Adrian Greaves
Manufacturer: Pen and Sword
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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REDCOATS AND ZULUS: Thrilling Tales from the 1879 War
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How Can Man Die Better: The Secrets of Isandlwana Revealed
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Like Wolves on the Fold: The Defence of Rorke's Drift
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Zulu: With Some Guts Behind It
ASIN: 0850529220 |
Book Description
David Rattray is known to many thousands of enthusiasts for his emotional and evocative lectures, he also owns a top battlefield-touring lodge Fugitive Drift, close to Iswandlwana and Rorke's Drift. This is David Rattray's first publication (his cassettes and videos have sold thousands) . No one is better qualified to explain the causes of this strange colonial war when British Imperial might was initially humiliated in a ghastly slaughter. Pride was somewhat salvaged by the heroic defense of Rorke's Drift and thereafter the Zulus were doomed. Today the battlefields are frequently visited and this attractive book is the perfect companion, being both authoritative, well illustrated and highly accessible.
Customer Reviews:
David Rattray's Guidebook to the Anglo-Zulu War Battlefields.......2004-01-22
Read the book, see the film, but if you can go and visit the battlefields in the company of David Rattray and his team.
The guidebook is a well written, easily digested and comprehensive guide to this corner of South Africa, by the author, who is extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the subject, having lived so close to two of the sites of major engagements, Isandlwana and Rorkes Drift, and who also owns and runs the Fugitives Drift Lodge. For those with only a short time to devote to seeing some of the sites the book is essential reading, the descriptions and directions to the sites being particularly useful. The illustrations and photographs are also useful especially in knowing exactly what one should be looking for at particular sites, in view of the sometimes overgrown and obscure nature of the locations.
The historical facts are well explained, giving the reader a good introduction as to why this conflict came about and on the major players in the campaign. A gripping narrative as to the conduct of each battle makes the book difficult to put down and readers would be advised to start the book earlier in the day rather than later!
Together with the guidebook a battlefield tour in David's company is guaranteed to make the visit come alive, his passion for the land and the Zulu people is obvious, the talks making it feel as if you were there on the day, especially on this 125th anniversary of the battles of Isandlwana and Rorkes Drift.
It is highly recommended from one who only recently purchased a copy, and was then lucky enough to visit South Africa, all within three weeks.
David Fuller
22 January 2004
Probably close as I ever get to South Africa.......2004-01-15
I actually brought the book for modern photos and illstrations since I figured that I would never get to see these places in person. However, the book proves to be an excellent reference material as well. Its pretty clear that David Rattray knows his material and how to present them. Combination of great photos (b/w and color), excellent illstrations, maps and well written narrative, this book actually covered all aspects of the Zulu War. There are tons of information packed in this short book. This book appears to be a history book in disguised as a tour guide book. Can't get any closer to South Africa unless you were there already.
Average customer rating:
- Do You Know All the Words to "Men of Harlech"?
- THE BRITISH ALAMO! -co-starring ALFIE and not the DUKE!
- The Best Book For the Best Movie!!
- Outstanding work on ZULU
- Worth 100 stars!
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Zulu: With Some Guts Behind It
Sheldon Hall
Manufacturer: Tomahawk Press (GA)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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How Can Man Die Better: The Secrets of Isandlwana Revealed
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Like Wolves on the Fold: The Defence of Rorke's Drift
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Zulu
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David Rattray's Guide Book to the Anglo-Zulu War Battlefields
ASIN: 0953192660 |
Customer Reviews:
Do You Know All the Words to "Men of Harlech"?.......2007-07-17
Do you know all the words to "Men of Harlech"? Do you long to tell some slacker whining about why you got stuck with a dirty job: "Because we're here lad and nobody else. Just us." Do you believe that one of the component parts of a miracle can be, "a bayonet... with some guts behind it"? Well, my lad, then this is the book for you, the book that will tell you everything you ever wanted to know and more about the greatest war movie ever made: Zulu.
This labor of love by Sheldon Hall is chock full of surprises, like the fact that the creative partnership behind it was composed of three flaming leftists: a couple of youthful Communists, John Prebble and Cy Endfield, who avoided the United States during the McCarthy Era, and an unrepentant socialist, Stanley Baker. Contrary to what one might have expected, surprisingly little of their leftist politics showed up on the screen (some of it Sheldon shows ending up on the cutting room floor in what is either dumb luck or good thinking on somebody's part) in a movie that is often condemned today as a tribute to British imperialism. Why? Well, partly it was just a better grasp of reality. They would have realized what contemporary leftists in the film industry are incapable of understanding anymore: that there is more money to be made in celebrating military heroism than in trashing it. But there was something else that IMHO made a world of difference: they had all lived through WWII, and they had all served in the military as well, making it MUCH more difficult for them to despise the common soldier as the subhuman tool of imperialism that modern leftists who have neither served themselves nor faced the realistic prospect of losing their freedom on the battlefield do so easily today.
Mr. Hall's thoroughness is evident throughout. Among other things he exposes Jack Hawkins' famous claim to have walked out on his own premiere to have a serious problem: the scenes he complains about were never in the movie, and then offers a plausible explanation for it. He also devotes a full chapter to the difficulties inherent in making a film on this subject in South Africa during Apartheid. The later prequel Zulu Dawn is also briefly discussed.
Perhaps the most interesting piece of all was Mr. Hall's spirited, and I must say to me quite convincing, defense of the movie against nitpickers looking for historical errors by pointing out that:
1. the subsequent explosion of research on the Anglo-Zulu War, much of it inspired by the movie itself, was rather obviously not available to the filmmakers,
2. some of the nitpicks are hardly settled questions and in any case reflect PREVIOUSLY made stylistic choices: (Should Chard as an Engineer have been depicted in a BLUE coat? In a contemporaneous painting of the battle HE POSED FOR he is shown wearing a red coat.)
3. during the volley fire defense of the final redoubt, you can see in the closeups that Michael Caine possesses anachronistic dental work for the period -- I'm forced to agree with the author that, "this is madness!"
I was a bit dubious at first about Mr. Hall's superficially cutesy layout: dividing the book into three parts before, during, and after the film shoot respectively titled: "Preparing for Battle", "Dispatches from the Front", and "Victory and Aftermath", and further subdividing it into chapters titled with quotes from the movie, for example 8. "Fall them in, call the roll" -- Casting the actors and 18. "Volley fire present!" -- Reviews and criticism, but as in the examples cited, I cannot dispute their appropriateness. (I wonder how long it took Mr. Hall to come up with them all?)
Defects? The only one I can think of is an unfair one: I only wish Mr. Hall could have written this a few decades sooner. After forty years so many of the principals are gone, some to the simple ravages of time and many more to the Big C. Fortunately devoted spouses and children, justifiably proud of their lost loved ones' achievements, were able to fill in many of the gaps.
Note: if you want a complete audio recording of the movie's version of "Men of Harlech", which is slightly different from any other, your best choice is the first track on the Best of Ivor Emmanuel, who sang it in the movie as Private Owen. This isn't precisely the musical track heard on the film, but unlike the version heard on the film's audio track, it is complete and in one piece. (A more recently recorded choral version without Ivor Emmanuel is also available: Zulu (1964 Film) (Includes Other John Barry Film Score Selections))
THE BRITISH ALAMO! -co-starring ALFIE and not the DUKE!.......2006-12-26
Of course the real star both in front of the camera and behind it in Sheldon Hall's book, is actor Stanley Baker. Not a household name in America, but one who was certainly a presence in Britain. Enough that is, to personally get this exspensive epic into production. Together with writer-producer-director partner Cy Endfield, they had just as much trouble making the 1964 Paramount release "Zulu", as John Wayne had in filming his version of "The Alamo" four years earlier. Hall is certainly one dedicated "Zulu" movie buff and it shows in his exhaustive research and attention to detail in this book. It's everything you ever wanted to know about the movie and the real event at Rorke's Drift, South Africa in 1879. When a mere 150 soldiers of the British Army, were forced to take on over 4,000 Zulu warriors.
Stanley Baker sadly never achieved international stardom, but a young "pre-Alfie" Michael Caine was introduced to the world in this film -without the cockney accent though. Indeed, this is a good-read, well illustrated with script pages, shooting schedules and set designs etc. I remember myself seeing "Zulu" on it's first release in London, at my local ABC cinema and the place was packed. A schoolboy's dream of an action picture and it was British produced, well American Joseph E. Levine did help to get it financed...
The Best Book For the Best Movie!!.......2006-07-09
The book Zulu:With Some Guts Behind It is a great book for people who like the movie Zulu. It explains every stage of the film-making, and tells you about the actors and their own carrers. I love the movie Zulu, and I think that the book has, if it is even possible, made it so I enjoy it more! Another great thing about this book, is that it has alot of pictures, so it is not as intimidating if you were just going to start reading, and say to yourself, Wow, thats alot of pages, of alot of words, and letters. And the author breaks it down, so if you just want to read for a short time you can pick the topic you want to read about, and not have to go through the book to find something you are intrested in that is not too long. All and all, it is a fantastic book that you could read over and over.
Outstanding work on ZULU.......2006-02-17
With the market glutted with works supplying overviews of both the whole of filmdom and specific film genres, more and more authors are turning their attention and critical eyes to the study of individual movies. One of the best of these, and a model for future works of this sort, is WITH SOME GUTS BEHIND IT by Sheldon Hall which deals with the making of the film ZULU. To call this work definitive would simply not do it justice. Frankly, it is hard to imagine any area of the creation of this motion picture that Hall has not covered. No nook or cranny has gone unexplored. In addition, it is gloriously illustrated. The absolutest highest marks in all departments. It was a long time in coming but for once the wait was definitely worth it. Bravo!
Worth 100 stars!.......2006-02-17
If you love the movie ZULU, this is the end all and be all of "making of" books. Sheldon Hall must have ferreted out every last detail that still exists about the movie and he has written with infinite love a magnificent tome.
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