The French Foreign Legion remains one of the world’s most enigmatic military forces. Created in France in 1831 by King Louis Philippe and immediately posted to the scorching deserts of Algeria, it went on to become a unit renowned for its cruel camp regime and training, and its absolute disregard for death in battle. The Encyclopedia of the French Foreign Legion reveals the facts and reality behind this compelling unit. Lavishly illustrated and written with detail and energy, the book is a fascinating journey into a military unit which is almost unique in the history of men-at-arms.