As an international war correspondent and radio commentator, William L. Shirer didnt just research the fall of France. He was there. In just six weeks, he watched the Third Reich topple one of the worlds oldest military powersand institute a rule of terror and paranoia. Based on in-person conversation with the leaders, diplomats, generals, and ordinary citizens who both shaped the events of this time and lived through them on a daily basis, Shirer shapes a compelling account of historical eventswithout losing sight of the personal experience.

From the heroic efforts of the Freedom Fighters to the tactical military misjudgments that caused the fall and the daily realities of life for French citizens under Nazi rule, this fascinating and exhaustively documented account from one of the 20th Centurys most important historians.