The Maginot Line 1928 - 45

The Maginot Line, the massive series of fortifications built by France in the 1930s to defend its borders with Germany and Italy, is perhaps the most maligned collection of fortifications ever built. Despite being a technological marvel, and the most sophisticated and complex set of fortifications built up to that time, it failed to save France from crushing defeat in 1940. Yet there are those who argue that it accomplished exactly what it was designed to do. This book provides a concise and informative treatment of the Maginot Line, from North-East France to the Mediterranean. Packed with plans, contemporary and modern images, plus digital artwork, it presents a detailed visual exploration of this famous fortification system.

William Allcorn, a former US army officer who served in Vietnam, has a long standing interest in forts and fortifications of all eras, and over the years has visited and photographed many sites. For several years he lived in Luxembourg and Germany, which afforded him the opportunity to extensively visit and explore the heart of the Maginot Line. William has acted as a historical consultant for several documentary television programmes on fortification related topics, and has written several articles for FORT, the journal of the Fortress Study Group. He lives in Southern California.