The Washing of the Spears, by Donald R. Morris, (First Edition, with Inscription), 1965 📜🇿🇦⚔️

1. Introduction 📜🔍🏛️

This is a First Edition of "The Washing of the Spears: The Rise and Fall of the Zulu Nation," by Donald R. Morris. Published in 1965 by Simon & Schuster, this book is a work of historical narrative. This copy is a genuine first edition, and it has a personal inscription that adds a layer of unique provenance.

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2. About the Book 📖✍️✨

"The Washing of the Spears" is an account of the rise and fall of the Zulu nation in southern Africa. The narrative chronicles the reign of Shaka and its ultimate downfall under Cetshwayo in the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. The book details the military and social aspects of this African civilization. It features maps by Rafael Palacios.

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3. About the Artist/Author/Maker ✍️🏛️

Donald R. Morris (1924–2002) was an American military historian and author. A former officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, his background in military strategy gave him a unique perspective on historical conflicts. His book is considered a classic of military and African history.

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4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜

Published in 1965, this book provided a detailed account of the Zulu War of 1879, a period that had received limited attention from Western historians. The book's publication helped to shed light on a crucial period in African history and the complex relationship between European colonial powers and African civilizations.

It remains a foundational text for understanding the history of the Zulu nation and the final decades of Victoria's empire in Africa.

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5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️

This book is a unique rare book with exceptional value to collectors. It is an acquisition for a serious collector of World War II history, or books with documented provenance. The personal inscription provides a tangible link to the book's history.

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6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️

As a First Edition of a canonical work on African history, it is a highly sought-after item. The book contains a unique piece of provenance in the form of a handwritten inscription from a prior owner. The maps by Rafael Palacios add to its historical and aesthetic appeal.

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7. Condition 🔎📚✨

This book is in good vintage condition.

• The dust jacket shows some shelf wear, rubbing, and a few small tears.

• The hardcovers are clean underneath the jacket.

• There is a handwritten inscription on the front endpaper.

• The pages are clean, and the binding is solid.

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8. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

• The book chronicles the rise and fall of the Zulu nation in southern Africa.

• Donald R. Morris was a U.S. Marine Corps officer before becoming an author.

• The book contains beautifully rendered maps by Rafael Palacios.

• The personal inscription from a prior owner adds a layer of unique provenance.

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9. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰

• Title: The Washing of the Spears

• Author: Donald R. Morris

• Publication Date: 1965

• Edition: First Edition

• Publisher: Simon & Schuster

• Place of Publication: New York

• Origin: United States

• Book Cover Type: Hardcover with dust jacket

• Genre: Military History, African History, Non-fiction

• Transcription: This book contains a handwritten inscription on the front endpaper, which reads: “James B. Hilly Oct 1990.”