* The most thorough analysis of the French diplomatic breakdown in
the face of Hitler's aggression
*A classic in-depth account - never before translated into English
*Written by France's greatest historian of foreign policy

Of all nations, France experienced the most spectacular fall from the pinnacle of victory in the First World War to the tragedy of Munich and defeat in 1940.

The descent of a world power is chronicled in fascinating detail by the great French scholar Jean-Baptiste Duroselle in his greatest work, translated into English for the first time. His work is the most thorough analysis of the French diplomatic breakdown in the face of Hitler's aggression.

This is the definitive study of the drift of French foreign policy facing the rise of Hitler's Germany. It documents the reasons and the people who led France, the main opponent to German aggression in Europe, down the road to surrender and defeat. This book completes the picture for our understanding of how Nazi Germany was able to triumph in 1940.

Jean-Baptiste Duroselle was a full professor at the Sorbonne and at the Institut des Sciences Politiques. He was the author of many important books on world history and politics. This is the first English translation of one of his best works, which won the prestigious Ambassador's Prize.

Introduction by: Anthony P. Adamthwaite