Books matching: french failures
3 result(s)
A sweeping, well-researched, and surprisingly gripping account of one of history's greatest engineering feats - worth the time for anyone curious about history, even if you never thought you'd care about a canal!
David McCullough's 'The Path Between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal, 1870-1914' delves into the intricate history of the Panama Canal construction with a focus on the challenges faced by both the French and American efforts. The book provides a detailed narrative of the political, economic, and engineering obstacles encountered during the building of the canal. Readers are taken on a journey through the failed French attempts, the successful American intervention, and the triumphs and setbacks that characterized this monumental project. McCullough's writing style immerses the reader in the time period, offering a blend of historical facts, personal anecdotes, and vivid descriptions of the key players involved in the creation of the Panama Canal.
The letter, several pages in length and signed by Secretary of the Navy George M. Robeson, was addressed to Commander Thomas O. Selfridge. It was an eminently clear, altogether formal document, as exp...1977•700 pages- #2
Save:Brutal, honest, and deeply researched - Zola’s The Debacle is a landmark anti-war novel that still feels modern. It’s not a quick or cheerful read, but if you want to understand the true cost of war, this one’s highly recommended.
Emile Zola's 'The Debacle' is a brilliant account of the Franco Prussian War and the Paris Commune, vividly portraying the collapse of the French Second Republic with elements of tragedy, patriotism, and humanity. The novel is structured in three distinct parts, focusing on the infantry squad of the 7th Army Corps, the Battle of Sedan, and the aftermath of the failed revolution in Paris known as the Commune. Zola's detailed and graphic depiction of war, battlefields, hospitals, and the brutality of occupation sets this book apart as a shocking yet realistic portrayal of the horrors of conflict and the decline of an empire.
A mile from Mulhouse, near the Rhine, in the middle of the fertile plain, the camp had been set up. In the fading light of this August evening,* beneath a troubled sky laden with heavy clouds, the ten...1892•592 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Les Rougon-Macquart ) William Shirer's 'The Collapse of the Third Republic' is a detailed account of the fall of France during the Second World War, providing insights into the French political mentality of the time. The book delves into the incompetence, deceit, and cowardice displayed by French leaders, leading to the collapse of the Republic in 1940. Shirer, drawing from his personal experiences and extensive research, vividly narrates the events that led to France's downfall, highlighting the political, military, and moral failures that contributed to the country's defeat.
