The Battle of Verdun (1914-1918)

This illustrated guide offers a vivid walk through Verdun’s storied past, enriched with detailed maps, photographs and panoramic views that bring the landscape to life. The transcriber’s notes explain how the original images have been carefully reproduced, letting listeners picture the town’s fortifications, citadel and surrounding hills as they were recorded a century ago.

Beyond the visual feast, the book traces Verdun’s evolution from a Gallic settlement to a Roman stronghold, through medieval power struggles and the shifting borders of France and Germany. It then turns to the early months of the First World War, describing how Verdun’s strategic position made it a focal point for both sides and setting the scene for the grueling artillery duels that would define the opening of the battle. Listeners will gain a clear sense of the town’s importance and the human drama that erupted when the conflict first ignited in 1916.