Verdun And The Battles For Its Possession An Illustrated Guide To The Battlefields 1914-1918.

by Michelin et Cie

This document details the origin and political history of Verdun, one of France's most ancient cities. Contents include chief military events, the Great War (1914-1918), the Battle of Verdun (German, American, and Franco-American offensives, French counteroffensive), the city's cathedral and citadel, and a visit to the battlefield.

Genres: World War I

120 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1919

About the author

Between 1919 and 1920, a series of Illustrated Guides to the Battlefields 1914-1918 was produced by Michelin et Cie. The volumes cover many of the major battles of the First World War, discussing in detail the progress of these battles, and their origins and conduct.

The series was published by Clermont-Ferrand 'in memory of the Michelin employees and workmen who died gloriously for their country'.

Each volume is illustrated with maps and photographic images.

Reviews

[Valerie Sherman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked up this old battlefield guide in some used bookshop or another - an interesting reminder of battlefield tourism prevalent in the late teens and '20s of the last century. The photos preserve the carnage that in some cases has been restored and in others was left to ruin. The Douaumont monument, which I've seen in person, was only a plan at this point. An interesting mix of secondary source (in that it recounts battles from others' accounts) and primary source (in that it represents the tourism industry and France as it then existed).

[Paul W · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reprint of the original 1919 guide to the battlefields of Verdun, this book provides describes the battles fought. Its numerous photos provide rich detail of the destruction wrought by the battles - with photos of the same location pre-war, 1916 and 1919 vividly demonstating the devastation inflicted on Verdun and surrounding areas.