A scholarly and engaging study, this history of Swaziland, by an
author who spent many years in the kingdom, presents a vivid
account of the interplay of politics and personalities along the
passage to post-colonial independence. From the early stages of
Swazi occupation of the present-day kingdom to the accession of
Sobhuza II as king in 1921, this book traces problems in
consolidating leadership under the Dlamini chieftaincy and examines
the infuence of Boer and British settlers, and of mining and
commercial interests, on Swazi culture and governance. It recounts
the story of a thriving small nation that sought to maintain
traditional customs and institutions in the face of a powerful
European presence.
Each of the sixteen chapters concentrates on an aspect of
political history that has influenced the character of the
present-day kingdom, and much of the material, especially after
1900, has not been utilized in previous studies. The introduction
looks at Swazi experience in a contemporary context, evaluating
historic forces that have made for stability in a rapidly changing
world. Other sections detail the Swazi reaction to
European-controlled neighboring states (the Transvaal, Natal, and
Mozambique), the tensions introduced by successive Boer and British
policies, the Swazi detachment during two external wars (1899-1902
and 1914-1918), and widespread concerns about colonialism and
self-governance following World War I.
General
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