2197 Pierre Laval and the eclipse of France, by Geoffrey Warner (read 17 Mar 1989) This is a 1968 book by a British writer and is a really good book telling Laval's story well. He was born in Chateldon, Auvergne. France, on June 28, 1883. He became Premier 27 Jan 1931, and his government lasted till 16 Feb 1932. (He was Time's Man of the Year for 1931!) He became Foreign Minister Nov. 8, 1934, and served as such till 22 Jan 1936, besides being Premier from 7 June 1034 to 22 Jan 1936. He became Minister of State 23 June 1940 and Deputy Prime Minister 27 June 1940. He served as such till 13 Dec 1940, and came back into the Vichy government 18 Apr 1942 and ceased 17 Aug 1944, when Germany took him to Belfort and later to Sigmaringen. His trial was a disgrace so far as fair procedure went and he was shot 15 Oct 1945. This is a well-done book, and has been a most worthwhile book. ( )