‘Essential reading for the student of twentieth century fortification. Beautifully produced, well written, well illustrated and above all, the ideal reference book for its subject.’ Fortress Study Group

‘This combined history and guide to the Maginot Line is essential reading and reference for anyone interested in fortifications, especially those of the 20th century and Second World War.’ Military Times

‘This is a useful piece of work, combining a detailed history and a guide to the line. My own mental image for the line turned out to owe rather more to French wartime propaganda than to reality. This was a valuable read.’ historyofwar.org

The Maginot Line, the complex system of strongpoints constructed between the world wars by the French to protect against attack from Germany, is one of the most famous, extensive and controversial defensive schemes in all military history. It stretched from Belgium to Switzerland, and from Switzerland to the Mediterranean, and it represented the most advanced and ambitious system of static defences of its time. Much of this historic line – with its fortresses, artillery positions, tank traps, blockhouses, concrete bunkers – has survived and can be visited today. This invaluable handbook, which has been written and compiled by the experts in the field, is a guide to the history of the line and its major sites.