Petain

The biography delves into the complex legacy of Pétain, a pivotal figure in modern French history, who was both a national hero at Verdun during WWI and later tried for treason as the leader of the Vichy government after WWII. It examines whether his actions were those of a traitor or a patriot confronting his country's collapse. Nicholas Atkin's exploration not only scrutinizes Pétain's choices but also uncovers the broader divisions and uncertainties within France during these tumultuous periods.