The Boer War by Thomas Pakenham
The Boer War is Thomas Pakenham’s history of the conflict, presented as a documentary narrative drawing on archival material, personal papers and recorded memories. It covers the war’s campaigns, the experiences of African participants and its political aftermath. The listing gives a substantial 688-page length, while customer feedback flags small print and mixed views on readability.
At a glance
- A broad history of the Boer War, with attention to military events and political consequences.
- The listing describes research drawing on British and South African archives, private papers, letters, diaries and recorded recollections.
- The narrative also discusses the experiences of Black Africans who served both armies.
Reference price: $26.99
Price checked: 13 Nov 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Covers military campaigns alongside the war’s social and political context.
- Customer feedback describes the book as informative and well-written.
Cons
- Customer feedback includes criticism that the print is small.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | W&N |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 26 August 2025 |
| Edition | 1st |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 688 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1399632426 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1399632423 |
| Dimensions | 13 x 4.4 x 20 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 470 g |
What to know before buying
- The listing presents this as an extensive documentary history, so its 688-page length may suit readers wanting detail more than a short introduction. Customer comments on readability are mixed, and some describe the prose as reading like fiction. Consider the reported small print if comfortable reading size matters.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers seeking a detailed history of the Boer War and its political aftermath.
- Readers interested in military campaigns as well as the experiences of African participants.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a brief overview rather than a long history.
- Readers who are sensitive to small print.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
67% 67% - 4 stars
21% 21% - 3 stars
8% 8% - 2 stars
2% 2% - 1 star
2% 2%
Customer feedback describes the book as well-written and informative, including mention of detailed battle and skirmish accounts. Readability and engagement draw mixed reactions, with some finding the narrative gripping and others saying it reads like fiction. Some readers also criticise the small print. These points may matter particularly for a long, 688-page history. The aggregate ratings lean positive, but ratings alone do not explain readers’ reasons.
Positive themes
- Feedback describes the content as informative and the writing as well-written.
Negative themes
- Some customer feedback criticises the print size as small.
Mixed feedback
- Readability receives mixed feedback. Some readers find the narrative gripping, while others say it reads like fiction.
Frequently asked questions
What does this book cover?
The listing describes a history of the Boer War, including its military campaigns, African participants and political consequences.
How long is the book?
The listed print length is 688 pages.
Is the book easy to read?
Customer feedback is mixed. Some describe it as gripping, while others say it reads like fiction. The same feedback also notes small print.
