In Search of the Maquis

Prix Philippe Viannay - Defense de la France (1995)

This is a study of the maquis in southern France, the resisters who took to the woods and hills in the struggle against the German Occupation in the Second World War. From the many fascinating and moving individual stories emerge a sense of place a clearer understanding of the maquisard, and an unsentimental assessment of the role of the maquis in French history.This is a study of the maquis in southern France, the Resisters who took to the woods and hills in the struggle against the German Occupation in the Second World War. H.R.Edward's detailed and perceptive account explores what participation in the maquis meant for those involved, both at the time and subsequently. He examines the motivations of the maquisards and how the circumstances of occupation and resistance affected the ways of life of rural communities in the south of France. This is a rich and original book which achieves a fruitful integration of extensive archival research and oral history. Professor Kedward's scholarly and readable history allows the voices of individuals to be heard, and offers us important insights into the nature of community and regional tradition. From the many fascinating and moving individual stories emerge a sense of place, a clearer understanding of the maquisard, and an unsentimental assessment of the role of the maquis in French history. 'To discuss French resistance to German occupation is like walking on eggshells, but H.R.Kedward has made the perilous passage in triumph, combining information and insight so deftly that he transforms received ideas, and has rewritten a significant slice of history...a brilliantly written and closely argued book.' Times Literary Supplement 'Kedward has written an extraordinary book... He has a love of these people and their courage which shows through the text... He has'found' the maquis in their countryside and portrayed them through meticulous study and rigorous analysis.' Modern and Contemporary France 'a book that is not only remarkably well documented bu also perceptive and moving.' Independent on sunday 'This is a Maquisard history of the Maquis, and a very fine one.' Guardian