The French Foreign Legion

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The French Foreign Legion, founded in 1831, has captivated the world with its mystique and heroism. Today's Legionnaires are heirs to a legacy of adventurers known for their military feats across Europe, Mexico, Africa, and Southeast Asia, embodying danger, endurance, and camaraderie. John Robert Young pulls back the curtain on the Legion's inner workings through his photography, capturing the essence of Legionnaires' lives across fifty thousand miles and three hundred rolls of film. Erwan Bergot, a veteran of the battle of Dien Bien Phu, enriches the narrative with a history of the Legion's triumphs and tragedies, from its origins in Algeria to its peacekeeping efforts in Beirut, complemented by rare illustrations from the Legion's archives. Additionally, a comprehensive reference section offers insights into the Legion's regiments, their histories, battle honors, and current duties, along with details on uniforms, customs, and the diverse backgrounds of the 600,000 men who have served. It even highlights notable former Legionnaires, including Cole Porter and the King of Serbia. This work presents a complete picture of the French Foreign Legion—unmatched, unique, and utterly fascinating.