The latter two books cover the wars in general, but choose Verdun in 1916 and Dunkirk in 1940 as the apex of the French experience. It is in fact part of a trilogy of books by Horne focusing on the long rivalry between France and Germany – the Franco-Prussian War, and the 45 Wars. The title is perhaps slightly misleading, in that the book focuses much more on the general conduct of the Great War than it might suggest. Yet Verdun is almost completely overshadowed by the Somme and Ypres in the British understanding of the First World War. In fact, the Somme Offensive – another byword for attrition – was launched early in an attempt to relieve the pressure on Verdun. There was no other aim than to lure the French into losing so many men that they could not carry on the war. In an attempt to bleed the French Army dry, the Germans launched an offensive on the strategic fortress of Verdun. The Battle of Verdun has long been regarded as perhaps the sharpest Schwerpunkt of the Great War. Macmillan, 1962, first edition, good condition with dustwrapper
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