Customer Reviews

Fortress France: The Maginot Line and French Defenses in World War II (Stackpole Military History Series)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A fine introduction to French defensive systems of World War II. In six chapters this book covers the inter-war period through World War II. The challenge of the French military after the Great War in deciding on doctrine and dealing with a basic demobilization of their forces is the theme of the first chapter. The next chapter covers the creation of the Maginot Line and how it was built and organized. The third chapter describes how the gaps in the French front between the Maginot Line and sea were covered including the Maginot Extension of the New Fronts and also the little known Mareth Line in Tunisia. Chapter 4 describes the naval and air defenses of the French nation. Chapter 5 and 6 deal with the events leading to the 1940 campaign, German intelligence on the French fortifications, and a summary of the events of the campaign showing the relationship of the fortifications to French strategy and some of the positive aspects the high command failed to take advantage of. There are many drawings in the book of more than just the Maginot Line. They include maps of the defenses, drawings of aircraft, ships and tanks and even perspectives of not just the Maginot line positions, but even a 340-mm gun turret block of the coastal defenses at Toulon! The book is a little pricey at almost $50, but the $10 CD supplement that I ordered from Merriam Press has many more illustrations including photos (there are no photos in the book)and copies of pre-war German plans although I do not know why this CD was not included with the book. This is about the best general work covering all aspects of the French defenses that I have seen in English.

I received this book with the Osprey Maginot Line book this week. After reading both, I find that it would have been nice to have similar colorful illustrations like those in the Osprey book included here. Unlike, the reviewer "Jackie", I do not think the book is seriously lacking in text, but maybe in illustrations. I have also noticed a number of typos and what appear to be editing errors. Still the work provides a good detailed description of the Maginot Line and also information on the Mareth Line of Tunisa and other French defenses. There is an amazing amount of information packed in this 200 page book. I am not aware of the CD mentioned by the other reviewers (maybe someone will add details), but this is a great book for those interested in what was going on on the "other side of the hill." I would give it a solid "4 Stars" but have made it "5 Stars" to compensate for "Jackies" distortions.

This 200 page book is a useful introduction to the history and technical details of the Maginot Line. The Maginot Line is not only described, but it is placed into context within the overall French strategy of defense in the 1920's and 1930's. French strategic plans that the French had developed before the outbreak of WWII, and at the attempt to modernize and rearm the French Army, Navy and Air Force during this time period are covered. The chapters include: Marching to the Wrong Tune that describe post World War I policy, strategy, and more; The Maginot Line covering its development, construction and components; Closing the Gaps showing how the French extended their defenses along the frontier, modernized and economized on the fortifications; Sea and Air Defense examines another aspect of the French defensive system; March to Defeat shows what the Germans knew and public expectations as war approached; and the French at War covers the campaign and the role and use of the fortified systems.

The book also includes many amazing drawings, maps and numerous useful tables of data excellent drawings of the Maginot Line, tanks, ships, aircraft etc. Why there are no photos in this remarkable book seems strange, despite the excuses given in some of the other Amazon reviews. This is a book I strongly recommend especially because of the useful drawings and charts that, with the text, help the reader understand French strategy and the role of French fortifications in World War II.

I really enjoyed this book, although more illustrations and the addition of photos would have greatly enhanced it. It is an excellent English companion to Y. Mary's four volume series in French. There is a great deal of information cramed into 200 pages covering everything from the military mobilization plans to the fortification on the Northeast and Southeast Front known as the Maginot Line and the coastal defenses of France in World War II with additional information on the Mareth Line in Tunisia and the coastal defenses there.

This small book is a wonderful introduction to the history and technical details of the Maginot Line. The author, not only describes the Maginot Line, but he also places the Maginot Line into context within the overall French strategy of defense in the 1920's and 1930's. He looks at the strategic plans that the French had developed before the outbreak of WWII, and at the attempt to modernize and rearm the French Army, Navy and Air Force during this time period. The author has included many wonderful drawings, maps and numerous useful tables of data about the Maginot Line, tanks, ships, aircraft etc.

One unfortunate choice that the publisher made about the book was the decision not to use the many photos that the author had gathered, many from his own photo collection. The publisher wanted to limit the overall size and cost of the book. Therefore the author has compiled a CD-ROM to accompany the book that contains many photos and additional maps and interesting material taken from German Pre-1940 intelligence documents. The CD adds to the overall strength of this book. (...)

I highly recommend this title to anyone interested in the Maginot Line and French Defense in 1940.

An excellent book, overall, that weaves in the other factors in France's dismal showing in World War Two; the Maginot Line was expected to "do it all", with virtually no help from the other combat arms.

This an academic work. It is full of facts about the Maginot Line, but also is overwhelmed with data on the politics. It also has many irrelevant tables of data. It is, frankly, a poorly organized work that is very difficult to read and follow. It WOULD be a great resource for research on the environment and development of the Maginot line.

Other works may be more enjoyable for those not engaged in academic research.