The Cowboy Capitalist

John Hays Hammond, The American West and the Jameson Raid

By: Charles Van Onselen

Write A Review

Paperback | 14 August 2017

At a Glance

Paperback
572 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
22.86 x 15.24 x 2.95

Paperback

$47.70

or 4 interest-free payments of $11.93 with

Aims to ship in 7 to 10 business days

The Jameson Raid was a pivotal moment in the history of South Africa, linking events from the Anglo-Boer War to the declaration of the Union of South Africa in 1910. For over a century the failed revolution has been interpreted through the lens of British imperialism, with responsibility laid at the feet of Cecil John Rhodes. Yet the wild adventurism that characterised the raid resembles a cowboy expedition more than a serious attempt to overthrow a Boer government. In The Cowboy Capitalist, Charles van Onselen challenges a historiography of over 120 years, locating the raid in American rather than British history and forcing us to rethink the histories of at least three nations. Through a close look at the little-remembered figure of John Hays Hammond, a confidant of both Rhodes and Jameson, he discovers the American Old West on the South African Highveld. This radical reinterpretation challenges the commonly held belief that the Jameson Raid was quintessentially British and, in doing so, drives splinters into our understanding of events as far forward as South Africas critical 1948 general election, with which the foundations of Grand Apartheid were laid.

Industry Reviews

Charles van Onselens richly informative and gripping Cowboy Capitalist offers intrigue, betrayal and suspense worthy of a spy thriller in a deeply documented account of international entrepreneurial capitalism, labour exploitation, and political conspiracy in the age of imperialism. -- Robert E. May, Professor Emeritus of History, Purdue University

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.