The Reality of War: A Memoir of the Franco-Prussian War and the Paris Commune, 1870-1871

Although a relatively unknown campaign, the Franco-Prussian War (1870-71) ultimately had great repercussions during World War I. Patry's firsthand and beautifully written chronicle vividly describes the bloodshed and appalling atrocities committed during the French army's advance to retake the Paris commune, and powerfully critiques the high command's shortcomings and follies. Elegantly translated, this ranks as one of the best examples of war memoirs written in any language, and includes informative biographies of the main participants and other valuable background material.