Franco-Prussian War 1870-1871. Volume 1: The Campaign of Sedan. Helmuth von Moltke and the Overthrow of the Second Empire

by Quintin Barry

Overview

In the first part of this comprehensive all-new two-volume military history of the Franco-Prussian War, Quintin Barry presents a detailed account of the war against the French Imperial Army waged by the armies of the German Confederation, directed by that supreme military mind, Helmuth von Moltke. The author places Moltke and his strategic planning in the context of the European balance of power following the ending of the Austria Prussian War of 1866, before exploring the initial mobilization and deployment of the armies in 1870.

All of the battles of this opening round of the war are described in detail, including Weissenburg, Worth, Spicheren, Borny-Colombey, Mars la Tour, Gravelotte, Beaumont and, of course, Sedan. The book ends as the Second Empire of Napoleon III lies defeated, crushed by the German armies directed by von Moltke. The author has made full use of an extensive number of German and French language sources. His detailed text is accompanied by a number of black and white illustrations and battle maps. Orders of battle are also provided.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781906033453
Publisher:	Helion & Company, Limited
Publication date:	09/26/2011
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	356
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Quintin Barry is a solicitor and a retired Employment Judge. He has also held a variety of offices in both the public and private sector, including the NHS and local radio. He is presently Secretary General of an international group of law firms. Following a lifelong interest in history & naval history, he is the author of a number of books on military history. These include an acclaimed two-volume history of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–1871, a history of the Austro-Prussian War of 1866, and the first modern history of the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878. He has made a particular study of the life and career of Helmuth von Moltke. He has also written a biography of the 17th Earl of Derby, which was published in 2012.

Editorial Reviews

…stands along side those of Howard and Wawro for anyone with a serious interest in the Franco- Prussian War, the two armies involved or the development of the twentieth centuries way of war

Autumn 2007 The NYMAS Review 42

"…stands along side those of Howard and Wawro for anyone with a serious interest in the Franco- Prussian War, the two armies involved or the development of the twentieth centuries way of war"

Autumn 2007 NYMAS Review