The Great Trek

Author: Chris Venter

Number of pages: 80

Year published: 2013

Edition: 2nd

Published by: Don Nelson

Softcover

ISBN: 978-1-86806-340-6

For more info: Don Nelson interview

The Wildebeest's Review of "The Great Trek"

The Great Trek was a massive event in South African history and played a big part in shaping South Africa as we know it today.

This book by Chris Venter is a great read and helps one understand the events of the time. Although it is only 80 pages long it contains a wealth of information. It is very well illustrated with lots of drawings, paintings, photos, and maps. There seems to be photos of all the Boer leaders and other significant individuals.

The book covers a wide range of topics such as life on the trek, the hardships encountered and, of course, the numerous clashes that were had with the various tribes as well as the British. Many of the illustrations showing battle scenes are depicted from the Boer perspective and one can feel the terror of the men women and children when under attack.

As can be expected this is more a record of Boer history and one would need to read other books to get the perspective of the indigenous tribes that fought, traded and made deals with the trekkers. This particular copy of this book is a second edition. The first edition being published in 1985.

Some of the subjects in this publication

Durban - Page: 25
Battle of Vegkop - Page: 42
Battle of Blood River - Page: 49
Battle of Boomplaats - Page: 65

---

Top