Thought this would be the best section in which to ask. I'm looking for recommendations for a good single-volume history of the Franco-Prussian war of 1870-71.

The Franco-Prussian War: The German Conquest of France in 1870-1871 by Geoffrey Wawro would be my first choice on the subject.

It´s an excellent and fun read!
I highly recommend his other book: The Austro-Prussian War: Austria's War with Prussia and Italy in 1866 if you have the slightest interest in this episode of history.

Another great book would be the Franco-Prussian War: The German Invasion of France 1870-1871 by Michael Howard.
It´s a bit older and I prefer Wawro´s book, but it was the quasi standard for many years on the subject.

And then you can´t really read too much of this interesting piece of history!

Thanks NimRud, those look like exactly the kind of books I had in mind! Now to see if the library has them in stock...

Both are worth reading. Also, for a first person perspective, try Leonce Patry's The Reality of War.