This brief and well-illustrated account of the life of Cecil Rhodes by a renowned historian of Africa is essential reading for anyone interested in the debate on historical statues. Is their removal an attempt to ‘erase history’ or their retention a denial of the reality of the history of Empire? It separates myth from historical fact and answers the questions: Who was Cecil Rhodes? How did he acquire his great wealth and political power? And, most importantly, what did he do with that power that even in his own lifetime aroused such pride among some and such condemnation from others?
