The Franco-Prussian War

Old Duffer's Book Corner

Reviewed by Charles Vasey

Geoffrey Wawro for CUP

Wawro is the author of a very good book on the 1866 campaigns. This book is if anything better and it receives the imprint of Sir Michael Howard (of whom, God preserve, of Utrecht) who has written the best detailed history. Wawro’s book is both military and diplomatic but it is set one level of detail up from Sir Michael’s book and includes rather more epigrammic or anedoctal material. Wawro’s particular strength is to remember that even if the French are in chaos things may not be good on the German side. And so it transpires. Again and again as we marvel at the French mishandling he notes how it could have gone wrong. The ferocious power of the Chassepot and the might of the German gunlines are all sketched out well. My goodness but here is a war that deserves to be simulated properly. Wawro’s level of research reminds me of J.R.Hale’s books on the Renaissance/Reformation. I can give no higher compliment.


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