Having read Douglas Fermer's excellent second book in the series about the Franco-Prussian War, France At Bay (see here for my review), I was compelled to purchase his first book entitled Sedan 1870, The Eclipse of France.
About a third of the book rightly deals with Franco-German relations from the Vienna Settlement of 1815 through to the crisis of 1870. Fermer does a superb job in balancing detail and narrative to give the long and short term causes of the war alongside the contributions of the main individuals.
The mobilisation and frontier battles up to Gravelotte/St Privat are covered with concise precision. The maps are well placed and helpful in following the developments and manoeuvres. This is a real asset and not seen often enough in many military histories. It was great to see a place name in the text and have a map with it on. With ease, and enjoyment, I followed the course of the march routes of the the various corps and armies on the enclosed maps.
Unsurprisingly considering the title, almost half the text covers the manoeuvres and fighting of the belligerents leading to and including the Battle of Sedan.
The battle itself is covered in admirable detail. The narrative, like the whole book, creates drama and makes for a page turning delight. Fermer nicely merges eye witness testimonies of front line soldiers with the unfolding tension of command between the French generals. The sweep of the story reminded me of reading Emile Zola's well researched account in his novel La Débacle... another must read for anyone interested in the FPW and Paris Commune.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, both in the series in fact. Fermer's skill as a historian and narrator made me eager to read his account about which I feel that I already know much and have taught to an advanced level at school. I can highly recommend Sedan 1870. A fine addition to my library.
This looks like an interesting book Richard, and it is always good when the historian knows how to narrate. I know that all the pre-battle manouevring is an essential part of how a battle was formed, but some accounts are just so dry they are difficult to get through.
ReplyDeleteI agree! Nice job on the review, Richard.
DeleteThank you Lawrence and Jonathan. This is certainly not dry. In the account you really get a feeling of the Prussian hunter hunting down the French. Fermer manages to make it a human story.
DeleteWith the narrative you've given in this post, makes me think you should be writing the book Mr Elders!
ReplyDeleteGosh, that's quite a compliment Ray.
DeleteSeems an interesting book, will need to add this to the collection
ReplyDeleteIt will earn its place IMHO
DeleteBoth books sound well worth getting, so thanks for the review Richard. From a wargaming point of view the movements and build up to a battle I find just as interesting as the clash itself, if not more so.
ReplyDeleteI agree Steve. It can give ideas for campaigns and what-ifs.
DeleteNice historical background books, Richard! Amazing how the actual war only last about 6 months!
ReplyDeleteOnly six months, but it was a truely dreadful winter. However, you can understand why in 1914 everyone thought it would be "over by Christmas."
DeleteExcellent review sounds essential if you're covering the period and I have to agree most maps are poor and often let down otherwise good books, glad they got it right in this one!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Thank you. Poor or no maps in military history books has always been a mystery to me.. their inclusion just seems obvious.
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