Posted by Alan in Document et livre
Defying Vichy, newly published by The History Press and beautifully written by Robert Pike, is the first book I believe, to have been written in English charting the history and the stories of the Occupation and Resistance in the Dordogne. Stories that may well be widely known in that beautiful corner of South West France but now can be enjoyed by a wider audience. And deservedly so, as this is an area of France that the Allies did not reach. This is an area of France that was liberated by the Resistance formed in that region.
Robert Pike, who is no stranger to this part of France, has carried out an incredible amount of research to put this book together. Tracking down former members of the Resistance, now in their 9O's, going through endless files in the official departmental archives and spending invaluable time with local historians and authors on the subject including Patrice Rolli and Jean-Paul Bedoin, President of the ANACR in the Dordogne.
Every page of Defying Vichy contains an incredible amount of detail on the many stories of ordinary people - men and women, young and old who chose to fight against the German occupation. In doing so, many gave the ultimate sacrifice to liberate France. There were rivalries between certain groups and traitors in their midst but the greater story is here for all to read and to understand, the people of France played their role, a pivotal role, in ridding their country of the invader.
The book has 32O pages and many excellent photos, some shared by Patrice Rolli, myself, Guy Penaud and Raphaël "Ralph" Finkler who Robert first met back in 1997. The book is currently available in hardback version with an RRP of £2O. Plan is afoot for it to be published in French and subsequent books on this subject, that so many of us hold dear to our hearts, are planned for the future by Robert.
Bravo and bonne continuation !
The History Press - Defying Vichy (link)
Robert Pike - Website and blog (link)