Book Details

• Author: Peter Becker

• Publisher: Penguin Books

• Language: English

• Published Year: 1979

• Pages: 323

• Cover: Paperback

• Dimensions: 18 x 11 cm

• Illustrations: 26 plates

• Book Condition: Used – Good

About the Book

This powerful and gripping biography by Peter Becker chronicles the dramatic life of Mzilikazi, the formidable warrior king who broke away from Shaka and went on to establish the Matabele kingdom. Set in the turbulent landscape of nineteenth-century southern Africa, the narrative captures an era defined by warfare, migration, shifting alliances, and the relentless quest for survival.

Becker vividly portrays Mzilikazi as both a fierce military strategist and a skilled diplomat. Through conquest, resilience, and calculated negotiation, he carved out a powerful kingdom despite constant threats and displacement. The biography not only recounts battles and political maneuvering but also explores the human dimensions of leadership, loyalty, and ambition.

Supported by 26 illustrative plates, this edition offers readers visual context that enriches the historical narrative. Written in accessible yet authoritative prose, the book is essential for readers interested in African history, Zulu-era conflicts, pre-colonial state formation, and strong leadership biographies. This well-maintained used copy is a valuable addition to any history collection.