Assassination in Vichy
Marx Dormoy and the Struggle for the Soul of France
By Gayle Brunelle,Stephanie Annette Finley-Croswhite | Publisher: University of Toronto Press
About the book
During the night of 25 July 1941, assassins planted a time bomb in the bed of former French Interior Minister Marx Dormoy. The explosion on the morning of 26 July launched a two-year investigation that traced Dormoy’s murder to the highest echelons of the Vichy regime. Dormoy, who had led a 1937 investigation into the \"Cagoule,\" a violent ultra-right-wing terrorist organization, was the victim of a captivating revenge plot.
Based on the meticulous examination of thousands of documents, Assassination in Vichy tells the story of Dormoy’s murder and of the investigation, led by courageous Police Superintendent Charles Chenevier, who persisted despite opposition from both Vichy and collaborationists in Paris. A book about France’s deep political divisions, wartime choices, and post-war memory, Assassination in Vichy explores the impact of fascist extremism on France’s history.
At the heart of this book lies the investigation of a true crime that was sensational in its day but overshadowed by the war. It is a microhistory that also tells a larger and more significant story about the development of far-right political movements, domestic terrorism, and the importance of courage.
Editions of Assassination in Vichy
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781487588373
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781487588366
- EBook
- ISBN 9781487588380
- PDF
- ISBN 9781487588397
Read an Excerpt
During the night of 25 July 1941, assassins planted a time bomb in the bed of former French Interior Minister Marx Dormoy. The explosion on the morning of 26 July launched a two-year investigation that traced Dormoy’s murder to the highest echelons of the Vichy regime. Dormoy, who had led a 1937 investigation into the \"Cagoule,\" a violent ultra-right-wing terrorist organization, was the victim of a captivating revenge plot.
Based on the meticulous examination of thousands of documents, Assassination in Vichy tells the story of Dormoy’s murder and of the investigation, led by courageous Police Superintendent Charles Chenevier, who persisted despite opposition from both Vichy and collaborationists in Paris. A book about France’s deep political divisions, wartime choices, and post-war memory, Assassination in Vichy explores the impact of fascist extremism on France’s history.
At the heart of this book lies the investigation of a true crime that was sensational in its day but overshadowed by the war. It is a microhistory that also tells a larger and more significant story about the development of far-right political movements, domestic terrorism, and the importance of courage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Assassination in Vichy about?
During the night of 25 July 1941, assassins planted a time bomb in the bed of former French Interior Minister Marx Dormoy. The explosion on the morning of 26 July launched a two-year investigation that traced Dormoy’s murder to the highest echelons of the Vichy regime. Dormoy, who had led a 1937 investigation into the \"Cagoule,\" a violent ultra-right-wing terrorist organization, was the victim of a captivating revenge plot.
Based on the meticulous examination of thousands of documents, Assassination in Vichy tells the story of Dormoy’s murder and of the investigation, led by courageous Police Superintendent Charles Chenevier, who persisted despite opposition from both Vichy and collaborationists in Paris. A book about France’s deep political divisions, wartime choices, and post-war memory, Assassination in Vichy explores the impact of fascist extremism on France’s history.
At the heart of this book lies the investigation of a true crime that was sensational in its day but overshadowed by the war. It is a microhistory that also tells a larger and more significant story about the development of far-right political movements, domestic terrorism, and the importance of courage.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Assassination in Vichy?
History and Archaeology > History > European history
Where can I read a sample of Assassination in Vichy?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781487588373
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Assassination in Vichy?
Gayle Brunelle,Stephanie Annette Finley-Croswhite
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Assassination in Vichy is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781487588373) and paperback(ISBN 9781487588366) and ebook(ISBN 9781487588380) and pdf(ISBN 9781487588397)
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Where can I buy Assassination in Vichy?