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The Collapse of the Third Republic: An Inquiry Into the Fall of France in 1940 by William L. Shirer
dionisiomulone's review against another edition
dark
informative
tense
slow-paced
3.5
It is an excellent work of history and research. The author makes a great case that, in order to understand the XXth Century and WW2 it is necessary to be -at least- knowledgeable of the ins and outs of the French Third Republic.
Contrary to his former and more famous book on the rise and fall of the Third Reich, the author has ridden himself of his worst tendencies. His pasts books were filled to brim with an array of homophobic and transphobic statements which were never appropriate nor relevant to the story being told. In this new book, those injections of hate are nowhere to be seen, which is an asset.
Despite the former, it must be remarked that the book is still written with from a very misoginistic point of view. Certain statements and whole sections of the book appear to be motivated by nothing more than the author's disdain for women and their ability to participate in politics. In this regard, the author does not consider the stereotype of the conniving but politically inept woman which permeates every analysis of French history. It is for this reason that I cannot recommend this book as much as I would like to.
Contrary to his former and more famous book on the rise and fall of the Third Reich, the author has ridden himself of his worst tendencies. His pasts books were filled to brim with an array of homophobic and transphobic statements which were never appropriate nor relevant to the story being told. In this new book, those injections of hate are nowhere to be seen, which is an asset.
Despite the former, it must be remarked that the book is still written with from a very misoginistic point of view. Certain statements and whole sections of the book appear to be motivated by nothing more than the author's disdain for women and their ability to participate in politics. In this regard, the author does not consider the stereotype of the conniving but politically inept woman which permeates every analysis of French history. It is for this reason that I cannot recommend this book as much as I would like to.
lauraellis's review against another edition
3.0
An exhaustive inquiry, going back to the beginning of the Third Republic to trace the causes which led France, considered a world power, to fall before Germany and cravenly follow their lead—more censured because so much was expected of France. De Gaulle playing a role very like Churchill—lonely voice in the wilderness. I think [the] primary reason is that France still had not recovered—in body or spirit—from WW I. The book took a very long time to read—this was my second attempt—especially during the battle portions, which were minutely rehearsed. Also—no victorious ending—France broken and eventually freed by others.
rex_tugwell's review against another edition
4.0
Some of the war history gets a little too in-the-weeds for me in terms of minute battle details, but the rest is pretty thoroughly interesting.
jjweisman's review against another edition
4.0
Dauntingly comprehensive. A rich, considered work of history. Devote time to it and you'll be rewarded.
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