In this history of the Bakgatla we read of war, slave-trading, and marauders hacking off of limbs: not in some remote country, but here, in what is now one of the world's most peaceful countries. As Prof. Morton once observed, in the 19th century this region was a very rough neighbourhood. This book, which is the culmination of many years' research and analysis throughout the author's career, is less about cattle-rustling than the title might suggest, although that is a major thread. It is a significant historical work, but is very readable, and will be of interest to general readers.
The author notes that much historical attention has been given to the "large, resilient kingdoms" such as the Bangwato, the Bakwena, the Basotho, or the Amaswati. This, however, is the story of how a relatively weak group, living on the open range, succeeded in acquiring a more secure territory, a large herd, and a degree of prosperity: in short, the story of the creation of "Kgatleng".
