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France on Trial
- The Case of Marshal Pétain
- Narrated by: Michael Chance
- Length: 14 hrs and 59 mins
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France on Trial
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Summary
Brought to you by Penguin.
Few images more shocked the French population during the Occupation than the photograph of Marshal Philippe Pétain - the great French hero of the First World War - shaking the hand of Hitler on 20 October 1940. In the radio speech after this meeting, Pétain said 'It is I alone who will be judged by History.' Five years later, in July 1945, the hour of judegment - if not yet the judgement of History - arrived. Pétain was brought before a specially created High Court to answer for his conduct between the signing of the armistice with Germany in June 1940 and the Liberation of France in August 1944.
Julian Jackson uses Pétain's three-week trial as a lens through which to examine the central crisis of twentieth-century French history. As head of the Vichy regime, Pétain became one of France's most notorious public figures, and the lightening-rod for collective guilt and retribution immediately after the Second World War. In France on Trial Jackson blends politics and personal drama to explore how different national factions sought to try to claim the past, or establish their interpretation of it, as a way of claiming the present and future.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
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- absolute rubish
- 09-11-23
UNREAL
Loved this. Completely comprehensive and in depth study into the workings of the trial and parts of the regime itself.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Dr.A.Dyson
- 11-11-23
Fascinating and Comprehensive
An extraordinary history of extraordinary events. Compelling and fascinating insight into the nature of France.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- djmp
- 15-10-23
Comprehensive
A clear, well written and narrated account of the impact on France on the set up, operation not least through and long term.impact of the Vichy Government not least through Petain himself.. Engrossing read.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Terence Quinn
- 06-07-23
Long, detailed and absorbing.
Not only is this a fascinating story of Frances recent past but it is also full of fascinating characters and actions which clearly affect modern French politics. Excellent narration, excellent and detailed story and beautifully ordered.
For those wish a long absorbing tale - I highly recommend this.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- RAF
- 04-09-23
Travail Patrie Famille
Excellent account of a period and person which confounds and confuses French minds to this day.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- cynthia
- 28-07-23
Excellent
An excellent account of the history of Petain’s trial. The historical context is given in a skilful way…never becomes too lengthy. But at the same time there are the telling details which add so much to the quality of this book. Really liked how at the end the continuing significance of Vichy, etc is described as shown in the last presidential election. A fair and balanced assessment of Petain and the Vichy regime…still a touchy subject with the French.
Excellent narrator
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- fiona campbell
- 05-07-23
Excellent
Great telling of the story of Vichy France and the impact up to modern times
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Daniela Barani
- 16-07-23
Fascinating
A well researched and excellently recounted history of the Vichy trial. The book is bought up to date as we follow how public opinion has changed over the years especially as the role of Vichy in the deportation of Jews becomes clearer. Excelleny
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- Kindle Customer
- 02-07-23
Excellent
Very well researched and written and a fascinating account of a very murky period in French history and the nation’s attempts to come to terms with it since!
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- ashford
- 26-06-23
Superb
A strange end to a strange period in French history. Absolutely fascinating from start to finish and a fantastic listen.
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