The Vauban Fortifications of France (Fortress) [Paperback]

Paddy Griffith (Author), Peter Dennis (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Fortress | Publication Date: April 25, 2006

Vauban was the foremost military engineer of France during the period of its centralisation and wars of expansion in the 17th and 18th centuries. His influence persisted long after Waterloo, and his name has become synonymous with the science of the construction, defence and attack of bastioned fortresses. Dunkirk, Toulon, Perpignan, Verdun and Brest stand out among the many historically significant sites created by this incredible engineer. This book examines the many achievements of this pivotal figure in fortification history, exploring the sites and their subsequent significance.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Paddy Griffith is a freelance military historian based in Manchester, working as both an author and a publisher. His groundbreaking books on low-level tactics include 'Forward Into Battle' (1990), 'Battle Tactics of the Civil War' (1986) and 'Battle Tactics of the Western Front' (1994). He has also written books on the art of war of the Vikings, the French between 1789 and 1851, and NATO in the 1980s, as well as numerous works on wargames. He is currently active in the South Manchester Tactical Society and the Battlefields Trust.

Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (April 25, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1841768758
• ISBN-13: 978-1841768755
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 0.2 x 9.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,020,230 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Introduction, June 19, 2006

By 

J. Kaufmann (San Antonio) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Vauban Fortifications of France (Fortress) (Paperback)

The author provides a descripton of the life of Vauban and introduces the reader to the fortifications he was involved with in France. His three systems are described and the author explains that Vauban did not actually divide his own work into these "systems" since that was a term applied by others later. This small work is packed with a large amount of information on Vauban and his works. The only problem is some illustrations which are a bit confusing since they have been mislabelled or poorly represent a Vauban fortification. In one case the artist marked an orlon incorrectly. Otherwise the book makes a nice introduction and basic reference.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good introduction to its topic..., May 2, 2009

By 

Yoda (Hadera, Israel) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Vauban Fortifications of France (Fortress) (Paperback)

This book, despite it relatively short length of 64 pages, provides a very good introduction to its subject. A description of Vauban's multi-faceted strategy in fortress making is provided (i.e., defense in depth, use of water, modifications of previously existing fortifications, etc.). To supplement this discussion excellent illustrations are provided that not only illustrate the fortresses per se but various aspects of design that were essential to Vauban's fortresses. For example, good discussion and illustrations provided regarding countermining shafts, internal access passageways that allowed troops to move from one section of fortress to another even under heavy attack, magazine designs, etc.

All and all a very good introduction for the reader interested in the topic with only about an hour's of time available to get up to speed on the topic.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Osprey Fortress Series Vaubaun, January 10, 2009

By 

Steven E. Stark (Washington, D.C., USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Vauban Fortifications of France (Fortress) (Paperback)

A very good book in a good series by Osprey. The subject could have many huge volumes written on it so you are only getting a brief overview but it is very informative. The photographs and artwork really do add to the description. If you want a book on Vaubaun entire career and every fortification he built you will need a bigger book but for an introduction this is a good book. Not as wrapped up in engineering as some larger books on the subject so easy enough for all ages to understand. I would recomend this book to students of history, fortification buff, wargamers, modelers etc.