The Maginot Line; the complex system of strongpoints constructed between the world wars by the French to protect against attack from Germany; is one of the most famous; extensive and controversial defensive schemes in all military history. It stretched from Belgium to Switzerland; and from Switzerland to the Mediterranean; and it represented the most advanced and ambitious system of static defenses of its time. Yet it failed to deter German aggression or to halt the invasion of France in May 1940. Much of this historic line - with its fortresses; artillery positions; tank traps; blockhouses; concrete bunkers - has survived and can be visited today. This invaluable handbook; which has been written and compiled by the foremost experts in the field; is a guide to the history of the line and all the major sites concerned.
#5833417 in Books 2008-01-09Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x .65 x 5.51l; .81 #File Name: 1846773857288 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Riding for the publisher's dollar...even back thenBy Pierre a' FusilFake as a three dollar bill; this is only useful as a period piece of semi-autobiographical fiction. Gazzola may have based his stories about himself on some of his actual experiences; but these "tall tales" are less credible than work of other famous boasters; such as Marbot. His overly florid style does not help the book and speaks of a writer who knew little about the task at hand; other than that he was intent on making his book as fantastic as possible. Alas; not much use for the historian or the fan of historical fiction.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. FictionBy WillAlthough the doubts about the veracity of the account are clearly indicated in the book's preface; they are not on the page. Written by an Englishman in the early 19th century; this book was rejected at that time itself. I think this information needs to be indicated clearly and even though the account may be interesting to read; I would not have purchased it knowing that.
