Osprey Fortress 42 : The Vauban Fortifications of France

Vauban was the foremost military engineer of France during the period of its centralisation and wars of expansion in the 17th and 18th centuries. His influence persisted long after Waterloo, and his name has become synonymous with the science of the construction, defence and attack of bastioned fortresses. Dunkirk, Toulon, Perpignan, Verdun and Brest stand out among the many historically significant sites created by this incredible engineer. This book examines the many achievements of this pivotal figure in fortification history, exploring the sites and their subsequent significance. Text by Paddy Griffith with illustrations by Peter Dennis.

Contents

• Introduction
• Design and Development
• The Principles of Defence
• Tour of the Sites
• The Living Site
• Operational History
• The Site Today
• Bibliography
• Glossary
• Index