Skip to content

Fortress France: The Maginot Line and French Defenses in World War II
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Fortress France: The Maginot Line and French Defenses in World War II Hardcover - 2005

by J. E. Kaufmann; H. W. Kaufmann; Tomasz Idzikowski


From the publisher

The Maginot Line was the last great gun-bearing line of subterranean forts built before World War II. Although it acquired an unjustified reputation as a white elephant, the Maginot Line fulfilled the role for which it was built, allowing the French High Command the opportunity to mass its forces and counter the German invasion. Unfortunately, the French leadership failed to make the most of its assets, with the resulting disastrous outcome. During the 1920s, the French High Command formulated a number of offensive plans to strike at Germany, but by the end of the decade, it switched to defensive plans because of a lack of manpower. Work thus began on the Maginot Line and on other fortifications such as the French Mareth Line in North Africa and the heavy naval coastal defense batteries in Bizerte (Tunisia) and Toulon (France). The authors conclude that the Maginot Line offered the French High Command many opportunities from September 1939 until May 1940. They blame a failed French military doctrine for taking the initiative away from subordinates, laying the groundwork for the disastrous events of 1940 that left the French High Command paralyzed while German forces broke through the weakly held Ardennes.

Details

  • Title Fortress France: The Maginot Line and French Defenses in World War II
  • Author J. E. Kaufmann; H. W. Kaufmann; Tomasz Idzikowski
  • Binding Hardcover
  • Edition 1st USA edition.
  • Pages 220
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
  • Date 2005-11-30
  • Features Bibliography, Dust Cover, Glossary, Index
  • ISBN 9780275983451 / 0275983455
  • Weight 1.43 lbs (0.65 kg)
  • Dimensions 10.26 x 7.24 x 0.82 in (26.06 x 18.39 x 2.08 cm)
  • Themes
    • Chronological Period: 1940's
    • Cultural Region: French
  • Library of Congress subjects World War, 1939-1945 - Campaigns - France, Maginot Line (France)
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 2005025488
  • Dewey Decimal Code 940.542

About the author

J. E. Kaufmann is a freelance researcher and a retired public school teacher. He has published several books on fortifications and is the founder of Site O, an international group devoted to the study of fortifications. His numerous articles have appeared in Military Affairs, Fort: the International Journal of Fortification and Military Architecture, and Strategy and Tactics. H. W. Kaufmann is an instructor in the Romance Language Department at San Antonio College. She has a PhD in Medieval Spanish, and is fluent in French, Spanish, Italian, Polish, and Amharic. She is the co-author of numerous books on fortifications and has translated articles on fortifications for foreign-language magazines. Tomasz Idzikowski is a professional artist.

Back to Top

More Copies for Sale

Fortress France: The Maginot Line and French Defenses in World War II (Praeger Security...
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Fortress France: The Maginot Line and French Defenses in World War II (Praeger Security International)

by Kaufmann, J.E

  • Used
Condition
UsedVeryGood
ISBN 13
9780275983451
ISBN 10
0275983455
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Center Moriches, New York, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$32.02
$3.00 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
UsedVeryGood. Fast Shipping - Safe and Secure 7 days a week!
Item Price
$32.02
$3.00 shipping to USA
Fortress France: The Maginot Line and French Defenses in World War II (Praeger Security...
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Fortress France: The Maginot Line and French Defenses in World War II (Praeger Security International)

by J.E Kaufmann; H.W Kaufmann; Tomasz Idzikowski

  • Used
  • good
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used - Good
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 13
9780275983451
ISBN 10
0275983455
Quantity Available
1
Seller
HOUSTON, Texas, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$46.81
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Praeger, 2005-11-30. Hardcover. Good.
Item Price
$46.81
FREE shipping to USA
Fortress France: The Maginot Line and French Defenses in World War II (Praeger Security...
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Fortress France: The Maginot Line and French Defenses in World War II (Praeger Security International)

by Kaufmann, J.E; Kaufmann, H.W; Idzikowski, Tomasz

  • New
  • Hardcover
Condition
New
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 13
9780275983451
ISBN 10
0275983455
Quantity Available
1
Seller
San Diego, California, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$100.95
$5.45 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Praeger, 2005-11-30. Hardcover. New. New. In shrink wrap. Looks like an interesting title!
Item Price
$100.95
$5.45 shipping to USA
Fortress France: The Maginot Line and French Defenses in World War II
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Fortress France: The Maginot Line and French Defenses in World War II

by J.E Kaufmann

  • New
  • Hardcover
Condition
New
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 13
9780275983451
ISBN 10
0275983455
Quantity Available
458
Seller
Uxbridge, Greater London, United Kingdom
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$160.97
$10.20 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Hard Cover. New. New Book; Fast Shipping from UK; Not signed; Not First Edition; The Fortress France: The Maginot Line and French Defenses in World War II.
Item Price
$160.97
$10.20 shipping to USA
Fortress France: The Maginot Line and French Defenses in World War II (Praeger Security...
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Fortress France: The Maginot Line and French Defenses in World War II (Praeger Security International)

by Kaufmann, J.E; Kaufmann, H.W; Idzikowski, Tomasz

  • New
  • Hardcover
Condition
New
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 13
9780275983451
ISBN 10
0275983455
Quantity Available
5
Seller
campbelltown, Florida, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$194.00
$15.00 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Praeger, 2005-11-29. Hardcover. New. 10x7x0. Brand New Book in Publishers original Sealing
Item Price
$194.00
$15.00 shipping to USA