L’étrange défaite : un livre et sa postérité | ENS-PSL

The presentation is a valuable contribution to the understanding of Marc Bloch’s ‘L’étrange défaite’, offering a detailed account of its publication and reception history. Largeaud’s expertise is evident, and he provides specific archival evidence to support his claims, such as comparing Bloch’s account with other sources like General Prioux’s testimony. The talk is well-structured, moving from the book’s genesis to its editorial evolution and eventual recognition. However, as an oral presentation, it lacks formal citations, and some assertions rely on personal communications with Étienne Bloch, which may not be independently verifiable. The speaker’s focus on the book’s reception is insightful, but he could have delved deeper into the historiographical debates surrounding Bloch’s interpretation. The title-content alignment is strong, as the talk indeed centers on the book and its legacy. Overall, the presentation is rigorous and informative, suitable for an academic audience, though it may assume prior knowledge of the context.

The title accurately reflects the content, which focuses on the book 'L'étrange défaite' and its reception and legacy.

8/10

The speaker is an agrégé d'histoire and presents a well-documented analysis based on archival research and personal communications with Marc Bloch's son, Étienne Bloch. The talk is part of an academic event at ENS-PSL, lending institutional credibility. However, the presentation is an oral exposé without formal citations or peer review, and some claims rely on personal recollections.

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

• 00:00Introduction by the session chair, presenting the topic of reception and introducing Jean-Marc Largeaud.
• 01:00Largeaud begins his talk, noting the title was not chosen by Bloch and discussing the book's editorial history.
• 03:00Discussion of the different editions (1957, 1990, 2006) and the inclusion of clandestine writings and annexes.
• 05:00Sales figures and the slow recognition of the book, with a surge after 1990.
• 07:00Early reviews in 1946, including those by Aron, Rousseau, and Mongrédien, who noted Bloch's lack of sources.
• 09:00Bloch's experience as a WWI veteran and his critical view of the French high command.
• 11:00Bloch's knowledge of how wars are written and his decision to write a testimony because archives were destroyed.
• 13:00Comparison with General Prioux's testimony, confirming Bloch's account of the dysfunctional state major.
• 15:00Largeaud's archival research at SHD, showing Bloch understated the reality.
• 17:00Discussion of Bloch's portraits of colleagues and his critique of military strategy.

• Savoirs ENS — Plateforme de vidéos et podcasts de l'ENS, où la conférence est hébergée.
• ENS-PSL official website — Site officiel de l'École normale supérieure - PSL, mentionné dans la description.
• ENS-PSL LinkedIn — Page LinkedIn de l'ENS-PSL, mentionnée dans la description.
• ENS-PSL YouTube channel — Chaîne YouTube officielle de l'ENS-PSL, mentionnée dans la description.

• General Prioux's testimony — Mentioned in the talk as corroborating Bloch's account of the French high command's dysfunction.

• Georges Mongrédien's review — Mongrédien noted that Bloch lacked sources, which Largeaud discusses as a critical point.