The publication of these letters of Fathers Depelchin and Croonenberghs completes the rendition into English of the original two-volume work in French by these Jesuits of the Zambesi Mission. The first volume of letters marked the centenary of their arrival in what is now Zimbabwe and described the missionaries journey up from Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape and the establishment of a mission house near Lobengula's capital. This second volume continues the story of the Mission from 1880. The letters are the record of the trials and tribulations they suffered in their over-ambitious plans for expansion beyond Gubuluwayo: to the east in Mzila's Gazaland, another Nguni migrant state like that of Lobengula's Ndebele; for the Middle Zambezi among the stateless Tonga; and for the upper Zambezi in Lewanika's recently restored Lozi kingdom. B/w illus, maps, 310pp, ZIMBABWE. WEAVER PRESS.

The Nyanga complex was begun between the 13th and 14th centuries AD in Zimbabwe and the stone ruins which remain are an important link to the climate and history of the local communities. Illustrated with 94 figures and 33 b/w photos. ix, 277pp, UK. OXBOW BOOKS.

The stone ruins of the Nyanga area of eastern Zimbabwe have aroused much interest since they were first reported to the outside world at the end of the 19th century. Early fanciful speculations about their meaning have slowly given way to better understanding based on archaeological research, most recently by the University of Zimbabwe in co-operation with the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe and the British Institute in Eastern Africa. In this book, Robert Soper sets out the accumulated knowledge and understanding of the old Nyanga society, in particular the significance of its agricultural works to which the landscape bears eloquent witness. 88pp, ZIMBABWE. WEAVER PRESS.

An original perspective on the rise and fall of indigenous states of Southern Zambezia which analyses the long and contentious history of the remains of the remark-able cyclopean masonry, ranging from mighty capitals of traditional kings to humble farmsteads. Illus., bib, index. xxx, 303pp. USA. ALTAMIRA PRESS, 0759100918

An explanation of one of the world's most mysterious archaeological sites. The author looks at the significance of Great Zimbabwe in a global context and finds links with this ancient culture with the Phoenicians and the builders of the Giza pyramids. Bib, maps, b/w illus, 87pp, UK. UPFRONT PUBLISHING, 1844261115