Amiens Before and During the War

Step onto the streets of early twentieth‑century Amiens through a guide that fuses vivid history with the everyday concerns of a traveling motorist. The opening pages lay out a concise itinerary, explaining the meaning of Michelin’s little symbols for heating, lighting, telephone access and garage services, while pointing out which hotels offer modern comforts such as central heating and electric lights.

Beyond the practical listings, the book paints a picture of the city’s long‑standing importance. From its Gaulish roots as Samarobriva, through Roman and medieval prosperity, to its strategic role on the Somme during the Great War, the narrative supplies enough context to understand why Amiens was both a bustling commercial hub and a battlefield backdrop. The description of cloth, linen and woad production adds colour to the bustling market life that once thrived there.

Listeners receive a snapshot of a place caught between peace and conflict, where travelers could find well‑managed inns, tire‑inflating stations and repair shops, all set against a backdrop of centuries‑old architecture and wartime upheaval. The guide’s blend of historical anecdotes and detailed, period‑specific advice makes it a compelling auditory tour of a city at a pivotal moment in history.