Sign In

- Or use -
Forgot Password Create Account
This item has been sold, but you can enter your email address to be notified if another example becomes available.
Description

Making a "Pilgrimage" to the Front Lines of World War I.

A detailed map of the regions of conflict in France during World War I intended as a guide for people wishing to visit the sites of the battles of the war. Three different itineraries are provided, for visitors with one, two, and three days available to make the trip.

The map shows roads leading away from Paris to as far as Verdun and Sedan (the latter relating to the Franco-Prussian War). The major regions of the war, including the Ardennes, Meuse, and Marne are all shown. The font, text, and presentation suggest the map was published in a victorious, though still bitter France. The publishers choose to portray the war more as a back-and-forth match that was eventually won by the superior side with some near misses, rather than a collection of four years of horror.

Includes an inset map of the region around Verdun, showing a counterclockwise loop that reaches the major landmarks of the battle including the Fort de Souville and the Meuse Heights. Verdun was the longest battle of the war and one of the costliest, representing the loss of life of over a quarter-million soldiers. This battle was the result of a German offensive which sought to end the war, but ultimately failed and lead to a French strategic victory. It is perhaps the battle most commemorated in France and Germany and represented the futility of the war for many of the soldiers who fought there.

The map includes small markings from someone who must have undertaken the pilgrimage themselves.

The legend notes:

  • Front line:  September 6, 1914
  • Front line:  March 20, 1918
  • Front line: July 16, 1918
  • Front line:  November 11, 1918 (Armistice Day)
  • Roads
  • Railroads
  • Forests
  • Rivers

The map title translates as:

  • The two German Roads to Paris.
  • Map of Ercour
  • Paris has twice felt the breath of the Beast.
  • Pilgrimage to the Battlefields.
Condition Description
Toning along folds.