The Trial of Pierre Laval: Defining Treason, Collaboration and Patriotism in World War II France Hardcover – 15 February 2010

I am not a student of history and consequently find most history books dry. However, as a Francophile and practicing student of sociology who visits France each year, I was drawn to The Trial of Pierre Laval. From the first page I found this book to be not only fascinating, exciting, and extremely informative but also one which helped me to better understand "things French." What a pleasant way to learn some important history about the attitudes and actions of the French people during World War II. This story of the treason trial of Pierre Laval, French Prime Minister under the German Occupation, reads much like an novel i.e. The Winds of War instead of a standard history book. It leaves the reader to determine whether Pierre Laval was a traitor or patriot. Why can't more history be presented in such an accessible way? It was a very good read and highly educational.

The drama of exercising leadership in extreme difficult circumstances and the influence of human nature in performing and latter, judging the responsibility of a committed public servant. A vivid example of Ortega y Gasset famous saying "I am myself and my circumstances". An valuable contribution to clarify and understand our recent History, It may be also a great argument for a motion picture

All expectations met.

Good book