The French in Algiers The Soldier of the Foreign Legion; and The Prisoners of Abd-el-Kader

"The French in Algiers" by Ernest Alby and Clemens Lamping is a stirring mid-19th century tale that paints a picture of French Foreign Legion soldiers campaigning in Algeria, showing their cultural clashes and the hard truths of colonial war. The narrative kicks off with a letter from the fortified town of Coleah that reflects on local Arab culture and the struggles faced by soldiers there. It exposes the divide between warfare's glamorous image and the tough day-to-day existence in the Legion, taking into account the impact combat and weather have on soldiers. This beginning introduces the desire for home, the strong bonds of friendship in difficult times, and the tangled web of cultural interactions as cornerstones of action.