Ian Castle is a leading historian of the Napoleonic Wars, he is a co-founder of the Napoleonic Association and he is also an authority on British colonial campaigns in southern Africa. His books include studies of the battles of Aspern and Wagram as well as volumes on the Zulu War and Majuba Hill.

The heroic defence of the mission station at Rorke's Drift became the epic action of the Anglo-Zulu War. A small garrison defended this valuable border-post for ten hours and in the process won the northern sector at Ntcombe Drift, Hlobane and Khambula. Essential reading for those who wish to learn the facts rather than the myths of this legendary stand.