France: Summer 1940

Ballantine's Illustrated History of World War II / the Violent Century: Campaign #6

by John Williams

Softbound book fair. Covers show general wear, spine cocked and with heavier wear; binding sound; pages and photographs good, unmarked. 159 pages; 8.3 X 5.3 X 0.3; 12 oz. shipping weight. This heavily illustrated volume recounts the period when the "Phony War" of 1939-1940 became very real for France. The static defense dictated by the Maginot Line served the French forces ill indeed and nearly succeeded in becoming as big a disaster for the allied British forces as well. Volume 6 of Ballantine's Illustrated History of World War II. Numerous black and white photographs.

Genres: History, World War II, Military Fiction, France

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1970

About the author

There is more than one person in the Goodreads catalog with this name. This entry is for John ^ Williams.

Reviews

[Rebecca Rosenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great reseaarch book for my Champagne Widows series!

[Martin Koenigsberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in 1969, only 29 years after the event itself, this book is better at explaining the feeling of the fall of France than it at explaining how it happened. Yes, of course as one of the very first of Ballantines Illustrated History of the World War II (Campaign Book Number 6) books, its filled with maps, line drawing and a ton of b/w pictures- but Jon Williams, the author and a WWII vet himself is more focused on that jittery feeling as the French Army and polity disintegrated under the Nazi assault . The reader, if inclined to anxiety and depression can find potential triggers in the prose- and knowing that Occupation and Vichy Fascism would bring the Holocaust and counterinsurgency war to France. It's not that he ignores the actual fighting- but the story is certainly told from a British perspective - watching a valued ally falter and crash.

Of course this book was written just as the reality of France's defeat was being sifted through by many authors. The earlier myth that The Germans had possessed more tanks and guns was being pierced. The Allies had a quantitative advantage, the Germans were better organised, controlled (better and more radios), and led. Once the Nazis send their Panzerwaffe through the forests of the Ardennes and overwhelm the infantry divisions opposite- they tend to find more room to move- than they find roadblocks. The French, really well prepared to fight WWI again- have kept their tanks in smaller units spread over their entire army- ready to be defeated in detail by the Nazi concentrations of tanks, a new style of war others would call "Blitzkrieg". French Commanders talk- and seek guidance from their political leaders- but never grasp how to respond effectively. Finally they look to Petain and his cronies to sue for peace and accept the Nazi Jackboot, A sad story - but important to the WWII canon and a good lesson for the MilHist reader - or the more casual studen of politics...

There a few adult themes here- mostly political, but no graphic injury passages , so this might be a good book for the Junior Reader over about 11/12 years. For the Gamer/Modeler/Military Enthusiast a mixed bag, as the focus on the feeling of defeat rather than exact partiulars means this is that book you read before a campaign or big table game to understand the over all campaign- while you still need other book for details. The Gamer will apppreciate the introduction to the events- but will need more content about the particular battles for scenario and campaign development. The pictures are good as well- but the modeler will probably need other sources for specific vehicles and diorama ideas. The Military Enthusiast gets a good entry point to this campaign- but will probably want to explore more books on the topic to sift through the battlefield details. The General Reader will probably enjoy this book the most to walk away with a good understanding of how it felt when France Fell in a quick 160 pages.

[Michael Laflamme · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent brief history of the 1940 campaign that sealed the fate of most of Europe until May 8, 1945. A tragic story of a nation unable to come to grips with the modern techniques of warfare quickly enough to defend itself while paralyzed by leaders stuck in another era of history.

[George Kasnic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much better than anticipated. I had a expected the usual British excoriation of the French which is pro firms for such books, especially those by British authors, sponsored by British institutions. Instead this book focuses on the French, maintaining a perspective at the national command authority and senior army level.

The flaws of the French army are laid bare. They lie fully into a hide bound strategy, inflexible, operational and tactical doctrine ineffective to the challenge. That the French soldier would have performed better given better decisions putting him into better situations is borne out. That the French leadership failed to do this is made clear. That little could be done about it at the late hour is apparently. A well-focused and informative book.

[carl theaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

The easiest victory in history- as the intro is by Liddel Hart says.

Ballantine books was the main source for WW2 books in the 60 & 70s and
this was part of an innovative illustrated series, a godsend to young history
fans.

160pgs w/b&w photos
and ample text telling the story.