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Harford: The Writings, Photographs & Sketches
David & Emma Payne
Henry Charles Harford was an entomologist and vibrant personality of the Anglo-Zulu War. Harford had always fascinated David Rattray, the world famous lecturer on the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 and himself a qualified entomologist. David gave countless word-wide presentations and always wove the story of ‘Charlie Harford the beetle collector’ into his enthralling lectures.
Harford of 99th Regiment participated in a number of important actions during the Zulu war and was at Rorke’s Drift until the invasion of Zululand. He led the first attack against the local Zulu chief Sihayo and accompanied Lord Chelmsford on his ill-fated search for the Zulu army which left the main British camp at Isandlwana unprepared for the full Zulu attack. He witnessed the result of the Zulu victory and went on to see the aftermath of Rorke’s Drift. Following the Zulu defeat at Ulundi in July 1879, Harford was part of the force that search for King Cetshwayo and was personally given the custody of King following his capture until Cetshwayo was imprisoned in Cape Town.
After service in Zululand, Harford remained in the British army and served variously in UK, Bahamas and India. He retained his interest in collecting rare specimens and he meticulously recorded these and sent the best exhibits to the Museum of Natural History in Durban. This book is the result of two years of reading, deciphering, transcribing and careful compilation of Harford’s journals, diaries, numerous manuscripts, sketches and photographs. These documents give a remarkable insight into the life and times of a Victorian gentleman who specialised in the study of natural world.
Hardback 300 pages, 150 plates
On special offer.
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