Welcome to this week’s History Thread!

This week we’ll discuss biographies. It’s the easiest way to explore historical figures, yet fraught with shortcomings and difficulties as the writers almost invariably skew their work to fit a thesis. What are some favorite biographies? Least favorites? Some pitfalls that you commonly encounter?

Today’s picture: on January 22nd, 1879 the British Army invaded Zululand. The main body of the British army met a catastrophic defeat at Isandlwana. One Zulu impi (3,000-ish men) unengaged in the main action broke away and descended on the small mission station at Rorke’s Drift, defended by 141 British troops, engaging them in a day-long siege. The British force managed to hold out until reinforcements arrive. Though a minor engagement compared to the slaughter at Isandlwana earlier in the day, the British press and public embraced it as a palliative, awarding eleven Victoria Crosses to the Drift’s defenders. And, of course, it inspired one of the all-time great war movies.