Synopses & Reviews
Distinguished biographer Charles Williams sets the record straight on one of the most controversial figures to emerge during World War II. This is the true story of Pétain--an orphan peasant boy who became Commander in Chief of the French Army and a hero of the First World War, but fell from grace when he collaborated with Nazi occupiers. In revealing the motivations and determining factors behind Pétain's decisions, one of the most complex and tumultuous periods in French history is expertly unraveled. Packed with rich battle scenes and dramatic prose, Williams delivers a startling portrait of a controversial figure who wound up on the wrong side of French history.
About the Author
Charles Williams is the critically acclaimed author of The Last Great Frenchman: A Life of General de Gaulle and the Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the British House of Lords.
Table of Contents
Introduction * "The Son of My Sorrow" * From the Crucifix to the Sabre * The Long Apprenticeship (1) * The Long Apprenticeship (2) * The Road to Retirement * The Dogs of War * Kill or Be Killed * The Victor of Verdun? * "They Refuse to Advance to Be Butchered" * Will It Ever End? * The Strife is O'er, The Battle Done... * Nini * The Spanish Connection (1) * "The Memory Is Weakening" * The Hollow Years * The Unpopular Front * The Spanish Connection (2) * Defeat * The Road to Vichy * Nous, Philippe Pétain... * Darlan * The Return of "Black Peter" * Countdown to Torch * The Collapse of the House of Cards * Which Way to Turn? * Vichy: The Final Act * From Pillar to Post * Let Justice Be Done? * Prison for the Rest of His Life Introduction * "The Son of My Sorrow" * From the Crucifix to the Sabre * The Long Apprenticeship (1) * The Long Apprenticeship (2) * The Road to Retirement * The Dogs of War * Kill or Be Killed * The Victor of Verdun? * "They Refuse to Advance to Be Butchered" * Will It Ever End? * The Strife is O'er, The Battle Done... * Nini * The Spanish Connection (1) * "The Memory Is Weakening" * The Hollow Years * The Unpopular Front * The Spanish Connection (2) * Defeat * The Road to Vichy * Nous, Philippe Pétain... * Darlan * The Return of "Black Peter" * Countdown to Torch * The Collapse of the House of Cards * Which Way to Turn? * Vichy: The Final Act * From Pillar to Post * Let Justice Be Done? * Prison for the Rest of His Life