Something of Themselves

This book explores the intertwined lives of three British writers during the South African War, revealing their personal motivations and cultural legacies.

In the early 1900s, three notable British writers—Rudyard Kipling, Mary Kingsley, and Arthur Conan Doyle—found their lives intertwined in South Africa during Britain's last imperial conflict. Each writer had personal motivations for leaving England, driven by a sense of duty, service, and patriotism. Kipling, in particular, was influenced by jingoistic sentiments. Sarah LeFanu skillfully unveils this lesser-known chapter of their lives, set against a backdrop of significant change for Britain and its imperial ambitions.

Something of Themselves delves into the complexities of the South African War, questioning whether it served as a precursor to the devastation of World War One or foreshadowed the anti-colonial struggles that would emerge in the latter part of the twentieth century. Through a well-researched narrative, LeFanu intricately weaves the experiences of these writers in the war's theatre, shedding light on how this pivotal moment impacted their cultural legacies and reputations.

As the narrative unfolds, readers are invited to consider the broader implications of the war on colonial policy and the evolving perspectives of these influential figures. By examining their responses to the conflict, Something of Themselves not only highlights the personal journeys of Kipling, Kingsley, and Doyle but also reflects on the lasting legacy of imperialism and the writers' roles within it.