The French Foreign Legion: A Complete History of the Legendary Fighting Force

€œUnparalleled in the thoughtfulness and detail of its coverage.€?The Washington Post

The French Foreign Legion is a complete, captivating study of the famed fighting force, from its inception in 1831 to modern times. Historian Douglas Porch chronicles the Legion€s involvement in Spain, Mexico, Indochina, Madagascar, WWI, Vietnam, and Algiers (to name a few) and delves into the inner workings of legionnaires and their captains. Known for draconian discipline and shrouded in mystery, the secrets of the Legion are guarded by those who have gained admittance into its elite society. In this thoroughly researched and impressive account, Porch reveals the mysteries surrounding a Legion of €œunparalleled exoticism, pathos, and drama.€ 65 black-and-white photographs