Paris in Peril

First published in 1882, these two volumes by Vizetelly describe the siege and fall of Paris in the Franco-Prussian War.

Henry Vizetelly (Author)

9781108035385, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 24 November 2011

296 pages, 11 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 1.7 cm, 0.38 kg

Henry Vizetelly (1820–94), whose two-volume Glances Back through Seventy Years is also reissued in this collection, was an English journalist based in Paris during the Franco-Prussian War, which concluded with the downfall of Napoleon III and the end of the second French Empire. First published in 1882, this is the second in a two-volume collection of his writings during this turbulent period. Describing the effects of the blockade of Paris on the civilian population as well as the army, he praises the continuing bravery of the French even in the face of inevitable defeat. In an interesting epilogue, he holds the French General Trochu's 'frivolous' approach accountable for the fall of Paris to the much better led Prussian army. Caricatures of the day depicted Trochu as a donkey restraining the lions of the French army - an image which was used again to great effect during the First World War.

7. 'From grave to gay'
8. Events of ill omen
9. Waiting for succour
10. 'Death or victory!'
11. The psychological moment
12. Conquered by famine
Epilogue.

Subject Areas: European history [HBJD]