British edition published in 1981. A good-looking, sturdy book. The unclipped dust jacket shows some minor wear and tear, especially on the edges. The pages have yellowed due to age. No dog ears.
The Ghosts of Africa by William Stevenson is an epic novel set during the First World War in the heart of German East Africa. The story centers on the extraordinary figure of Lieutenant-Colonel Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck, a Prussian officer who led a defiant, guerrilla-style campaign against the Allied forces in the African wilderness. At a time when Germany’s fate was being decided on the battlefields of Europe, von Lettow chose not to surrender, instead waging a war of resistance with a small, diverse army of soldiers and African rebels. His audacious, nearly lone struggle would become one of the most enduring tales of military resistance and a key symbol of defiance against imperialism.
Through vivid and detailed storytelling, Stevenson explores the depths of loyalty, war, love, and the human spirit in the face of relentless conflict. The novel delves into the psychological and emotional toll of war, as von Lettow’s unyielding commitment to his country is contrasted with the devastation he brings upon himself and others. A significant portion of the narrative is devoted to Kate Truman, a powerful, sensual American woman caught between love for the enigmatic von Lettow and her opposition to the brutality of war. As she becomes his unofficial adjutant, her evolving feelings for him mirror the complexities of the war itself.
This novel paints a richly layered portrait of a largely untold chapter of World War I, focusing not just on the battlefield, but on the personal sacrifices and moral dilemmas faced by its characters. The violence and chaos of war are set against a backdrop of sensuality, loyalty, and heartbreak, making it a compelling read for those interested in history, military strategy, and stories of human resilience.
