Description
Book SynopsisThe gripping true story of the French Foreign Legion in the Sahara.
Ever since the 1920s the popular legend of the French Foreign Legion has been formed by P.C. Wren''s novel BEAU GESTE - a world of remote forts, warrior tribes, and desperate men of all nationalities enlisting under pseudonyms to fight and die under the desert sun.
As with all clichés, the reality is far richer and more surprising than this. In this book Martin Windrow describes desert battles and famous last stands in gripping detail - but he also shows exactly what the Foreign Legion were doing in North Africa in the first place. He explains how French colonial methods there actually had their roots in the jungles of Vietnam, and how the political pressures that kept the empire expanding can be traced to battles on the streets of Paris itself. His description of the Berber tribesmen of Morocco also reveals some disturbing modern parallels: the formidable guerrillas of the 1920s were inspired
Trade Review
Exemplary...we get both the grim reality and the heart-pounding drama...a very exciting read. -- Tim Newark * FINANCIAL TIMES *
A detailed and fascinating trawl through the real history of this most romanticised of fighting forces. * CATHOLIC HERALD *
Proves that the reality which inspired the myths is every bit as captivating. * SUNDAY BUSINESS POST *
Brings a lost world alive ... a vivid and welcome piece of history writing * HISTORY TODAY *
