Guide to the French defenses encountered by the German blitzkrieg in 1940 Includes finely detailed plans; diagrams; and schematics of forts; blockhouses; turrets; artillery pieces; tanks; and more Between the world wars; France constructed a vast and complex array of defenses designed to prevent German forces from penetrating the French heartland as they had during World War I. Among these was the famous Maginot Line; the last of the great gun-bearing fortifications; but France also built defenses along its coasts and in its territories in North Africa. Fully illustrated with photos; maps; and drawings; Fortress France describes the design and construction of these fortifications; discusses French defensive doctrine and strategy; and explains why these efforts proved unable to stop the German attack in the spring of 1940.
#845831 in Books 2014-07-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 12.00 x .75 x 9.00l; .0 #File Name: 0811714691280 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Another OUTSTANDING book by Don Troiani of uniforms and equipment used by the USA and CSA during the Civil WarBy Joe OwenAmerica's premire historical artist Don Troiani is known for his historical paintings of battle scenes and of individual soldiers and their uniforms. In this outstanding book "Don Troiani's Regiments and Uniforms of the Civil War; Troiani puts together the different uniforms of soldiers and the various battles of the Civil War. This fascinating book is a fine addition to anyone's Civil War Library. The book is broken down into the following chapters:- Chapter 1 Militia and Early Volunteers- Chapter 2 Volunteers of Many Nations- Chapter 3 Zouaves and Chasseurs- Chapter 4 The Infantry- Chapter 5 The Cavalry- Chapter 6 The Artillery- Chapter 7 Special Branches and General Officers- Appendix: Institutions Holding Significant Collections of Civil War Uniforms and Relics- Recommended ReadingA few of the regiments and soldiers from each chapter are (I am listing a few chapters and the regiments; there are many; many more in each chapters of the book)Chapter 1:- 6th Regiment; Massachusetts Volunteer Militia 1861- Clinch Rifles Georgia Militia; April 1861- 11th Viriginia Infantry; Company E; the Lynchburg Rifles 1861- 2nd New Hampshire Volunteers; 1861- 17th Mississippi Infantry Company I; Pettus RiflesChapter 2:- Irish Jasper Greens; Lance Corporal; Fall 1861- 79th New York Highlanders; 1861- 39th New York Garibaldi GuardChapter 3:- Tiger Rifles; Wheat's 1st Special Battalion; 1861This is just a small example of the regiments and soldiers in this fine book. Also included are photos of the equipment used by the soldiers from the authors personal collection; Civil War Museums; State Museums; and other's personal collection. This is a definite enhancement that helps the reader understand more about the uniforms and equipments the men carried into battle. From hats; jackets; and belt buckles used by both the USA and CSA; to the rifles; gloves; and buttons used by both the USA and CSA; these nice and detailed photos make it a valuable addition to the book.Don Troiani also has paintings of battles in the Civil War; from 1st Bull Run to Gettysburg; to Shiloh and Appomattax Court House these battle scenes are detailed and outstanding showing the emotions of the soldiers engaged in fierce fighting.The author in the closing chapters lists the various museums and collections he used in the book and also recommended reading of various books that highlight the Uniforms and equipment published by other authors.In the history of the soldiers and regiments a brief historical biography is given about the battles; men; and equipment the soldiers used. It is a fascinating read. The uniforms of both the USA and CSA evolved over the Civil War years. Mr. Troiani's paintings of soldiers shows this evolution from bright and various uniforms used to a more common and "uniform" look the soldiers wore.This is an OUTSTANDING book that every Civil War historian; scholar; or buff would find critical and useful to have in their library. It is a book where you can learn something new each time you look at the book and read it. It is a valuable addition to my personal library and it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Don Troiani is perhaps the finest Civil War artist to emerge in the past hundred ...By Michael SaksDon Troiani is perhaps the finest Civil War artist to emerge in the past hundred years. His paintings bring his subjects to life in ways otherwise impossible to conceive. And the narrative of Earl Coates blends Troiani's work together flawlessly. A must for the casual or serious lover of Civil War history.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Quality of Artwork; Detailed Unit Information Worth the PriceBy A ReaderTroiani's artwork and detail are astounding. This book is worth the price for that alone; although it would be nice if more Civil War buffs could afford all his work. I bought this particular book to identify two of my Civil War ancestors; one in Union blue and one in what I thought was Confederate gray. Troiani explains that gray was often worn by both sides; depending on what material was available and what manufacturer was supplying the Quartermaster. To be honest; I didn't find everything I wanted; for instance; one of my soldiers has a star on his collar and sports a sheathed knife that looks too small to be a cavalry sword and too large to be a Bowie. I couldn't find a regiment dressed similarly; but the disparity of uniforms and the individuality of gear makes that difficult. I found plenty of information I didn't have previously and learned fascinating details about regiments with which I wasn't familiar. The best part of Troiani's work is the compelling detail and expression on the faces of the soldiers. Each soldier has an expression you can almost feel: anger; fatigue; frustration; desperation; even hunger. Troiani details the tack on the cavalry horses to perfection and depicts the same poignant expressions of fear and uncertainty on the horses' faces that assail their riders. I didn't find everything; but I found detail and information on which to build; and it's unrealistic to expect one book; even one as excellent as this; can supply all the missing links. A fine work.
