Customer Reviews

Hommes Et Ouvrages De La Ligne Maginot

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Excellent book which is well illustrated and presents an interesting view of the planning and construction of the ouvrages (forts) of the Maginot Line. The authors provide data along with the most comprehensive view yet of the troops that served in the Maginot Line in northeast France. Virtually every regiment, most of them RIF (Fortress Infantry Regiments) are included in the descriptions along with details on the uniforms and insigna worn. A knowledge of French is not really needed to enjoy this book, although a good dictionary might be useful. If you are reading this you can also use one of the many translation sites on the web to help you through the book. This is presently one of the best illustrated books available on the Maginot Line in the U.S. This is volume 1 of a 4 volume series. The second book will cover the the armament used and the third will deal with the short combat history of the Maginot Line. The final book will be devoted to the Little Maginot Line in the southeast on the Alpine front with Italy. Best of all, the price of this book is relatively modest considering its size and the number of illustrations (182 pages with from 1 to 4 illustrations or charts on almost every page).

A really fantastic resource for photos and illustrations of the buildings and men of the Maginot Line. One thing I really liked is that in the 2nd half of the book, which concentrates on the men and uniforms, you get not only some great black and white photos, but also color illustrations done using the particular black and white photos shown as a guide so you can see what the patches etc looked like in color instead of having to refer to a color chart showing the insignia (it's there too). After ordering volume 1 just a few weeks ago I'm in for the rest of the series.

I don't understand French but I bought this book for the pictures and the topic. I had the good fortune to have visited the Maginot Line near Longuyon and wanted a picture book as a souvenir. This book surpasses my expectations and the lavish presentation and format sets new standards on presenting a little known topic.