The ‘Hero of Mafeking’ and Founder of the Scouting movement, William Hillcourt’s exploration of the life of Lord Robert Baden-Powell of Gilwell is an exciting, well-developed and interesting read, covering his birth to his death, and all the remarkable achievements in between. Taking his time as military leader and scoutmaster in turn, this 400-page biographical account explores the many trials and tribulations faced by the eventual Chief Scout of the World, and how his work developed two of the biggest worldwide movements of all time.
Beginning with the military section, Baden-Powell’s career is one of much acclaim, spending time posted in both India and South Africa in the later part of the 19th century. Hillcourt’s accounts of Baden-Powell’s endeavours give a detailed plot with very few sections spared, allowing readers to follow the campaigns fully. Particularly the chapters dealing with the Siege of Mafeking, and the reaction to it from those across Britain, are unparalleled in terms of detail and depth, and clearly lays the groundwork for the following section of Baden-Powell’s career. Whilst this can occasionally feel repetitive, the book does a largely good job at remedying this.
Proceeding to his Scouting days, watching his movement grow from a small camping trip to Brownsea Island in 1907 grow into the international movement it remains today is a testament to Baden-Powell’s willpower. As a Scout myself, it was humbling to see the development of the movement and how it evolved with him, as well as the efforts put in to overcome the challenges faced. Hillcourt’s approach and structure of this section does a good job at structuring the book around the significant progressions, without being afraid of detailing some of the setbacks and other challenges Baden-Powell faced, from funding, religious, military and political influence, and the rise of Hitler and Mussolini.
William Hillcourt’s Baden-Powell – The Two Lives of a Hero is a dynamic and engaging story of one of the most renowned and significant people Britain has known. Whilst clearly a product of its time in some areas, the book does an admirable job of exploring the relatively-unknown figure behind the Scouting movement, and how both Baden-Powell, and it, grew over their years and developed into what they are known for now. Expertly written, catalogued and researched, this book is a fantastic window into the mind of the person who began it all, with plenty of easter eggs for Scouting aficionados to be found.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Baden-Powell – The Two Lives of a Hero (ISBN: 9798441531290) was published in 1964
