The Franco-Prussian War transformed the map of Europe and ended a century of French dominance on the continent. In this first volume of his acclaimed two-part history, Quintin Barry offers a penetrating study of the opening phase of the conflict - from the diplomatic crises following 1866 to the decisive battle of Sedan and the collapse of Napoleon III's Second Empire. Drawing extensively on German and French sources, Barry reconstructs the planning and execution of the campaign with exceptional clarity. At its centre stands Helmuth von Moltke, the architect of Prussia's victories and the first true modern professional commander. The book follows Moltke's strategic conception, the mobilisation of the German armies, and their relentless advance through the battles of Weissenburg, Wörth,Spicheren, Borny-Colombey, Mars-la-Tour, Gravelotte, and Beaumont - engagements that culminated in the encirclement and surrender of the French Army at Sedan. Combining rigorous scholarship with accessible narrative, Barry places events within their wider political and technological context: the rise of the General Staff system, the strains of rapid mobilisation, and the interplay between Bismarck's diplomacy and Moltke's operational genius. Supported by detailed maps, contemporary illustrations, and comprehensive orders of battle, Volume 1 of this study stands as both an authoritative reference and a compelling account of the fall of an empire and the birth of a new German nation. AUTHOR: Quintin Barry was a retired solicitor and employment judge who had a distinguished career in both the public and private sectors, including roles within the NHS and local radio. A lifelong history enthusiast, he was the author of several well-regarded books on military and naval history. His notable works include a two-volume history of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871, a history of the Austro-Prussian War of 1866, and the first modern account of the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878. Barry was particularly known for his in-depth study of the life and career of Helmuth von Moltke. His more recent publications focused on naval history, with titles such as Far Distant Ships: The Blockade of Brest 1793-1815, Crisis at the Chesapeake: The Royal Navy and the Struggle for America 1775-1783, and From Ushant to Gibraltar: The Channel Fleet 1778-1783. Barry's work remains highly regarded by historians and enthusiasts of military and naval affairs. Sadly Quintin passed away in January 2025. 74 b/w illustrations, 18 b/w maps
