About The Book
Offered here is Pétain: Hero or Traitor — The Untold Story by Herbert R. Lottman, published by Viking in New York, 1985.
This is a definitive and meticulously researched biography of one of history's most controversial figures — Marshal Henri Pétain. Lottman's study draws upon previously restricted archival material to chart Pétain's extraordinary rise from decorated WWI general (celebrated for his command at the Battle of Verdun) through his controversial role as Chief of State during the Nazi occupation of France.
At 444 pages, the work provides comprehensive examination of the transformation from national hero to wartime leader, exploring the moral complexity and historical consequences of Pétain's decisions — a subject that continues to provoke intense historical debate.
Collecting Highlights
First Edition 1985
Published when many previously restricted source materials were newly declassified, capturing a significant moment of historical revelation.
By Lottman
Herbert R. Lottman was a distinguished biographer and historian. His scholarship is rigorously researched and widely respected in academic circles.
444 Pages
Comprehensive and substantial hardback, providing in-depth narrative across the full arc of Pétain's military and political career.
Dust Jacket Intact
The book retains its original dust jacket in excellent condition, a key feature for serious collectors.
Viking Publisher
Published by the prestigious New York house Viking, known for authoritative historical biography.
Exceptional Pre-owned
Sturdy binding, clean pages and careful handling evident — an excellent copy ready for reading or collection display.
Bibliographic Details
| Author | Herbert R. Lottman |
|---|---|
| Title | Pétain: Hero or Traitor — The Untold Story |
| Publisher | Viking |
| Place of Publication | New York |
| Year Published | 1985 |
| Edition | First Edition |
| Format | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages | 444 |
| Language | English |
| Subject | Biography & History — WWII, French Political History |
| Genre | Non-Fiction Biographies & True Stories |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| ISBN | 0670801070 |
| Features | Dust Jacket (present and well-preserved) |
Condition Report
Excellent Pre-owned
USED · GOOD – EXCELLENTThis first edition hardcover is in excellent pre-owned condition. The binding is sturdy and intact throughout, and the pages are clean and unmarked.
The dust jacket is present and well-preserved, with only minimal handling wear. The boards and spine show normal signs of care over nearly four decades, remaining solidly constructed.
All text is sharp and legible. The structure is sound and ready for either reading or serious collection display.
Inspect the complete photograph gallery carefully — front cover, spine, rear cover and open pages show the exact condition of this individual copy.
The Photographs
Actual Copy · Individually Photographed
Every photograph in this listing shows the actual book being offered. The gallery includes detailed views of the front cover with dust jacket, spine, rear cover, and interior pages.
Please use the complete photo gallery to assess the dust jacket condition, binding, paper tone and overall state of this first edition.
Why Collect This Edition?
- Authoritative scholarship: Lottman was a distinguished historian and biographer; this work is rigorously researched and widely respected by academics studying twentieth-century French and WWII history.
- Significant moment in historical revelation: 1985 publication, when many previously restricted archival materials were newly declassified, offering fresh perspective on Pétain's life and controversial decisions.
- Dual narrative arc: Traces both Pétain the celebrated WWI hero (victor of the Battle of Verdun) and Pétain the controversial Vichy leader, exploring the moral complexity of wartime leadership.
- Dust jacket intact: The original dust jacket is present and well-preserved — a defining marker of a fine collectible copy for serious book collectors.
- Substantial and comprehensive: 444 pages of detailed biography, offering in-depth examination suitable for historians, WWII enthusiasts and French history specialists.
- Excellent pre-owned condition: Sturdy binding, clean interior, minimal handling — an exemplary representative of this landmark work, ready for reading or display.