Patrick Marnham

The trial of Marshal Pétain continues to haunt France to this day

Was the national catastrophe of 1940-44 primarily the work of one old man or the failure of France itself? The question remains unanswered

As a Marshal of France, Pétain sat on a cushioned throne during his trial instead of in the dock. [Getty Images]
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  • France on Trial: The Case of Marshal Pétain

    Julian Jackson

    Allen Lane, pp. 445, £25

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