Charles de Foucauld and Henri Laperrine star as the main characters in this historical account of colonialism and adventure. One is a wandering womanizer turned saint, a fanatic whose insane ideas knew no bounds. The other is a strict military officer. The only characteristic the two men had in common was devotion and strict discipline. They became fast friends as the fanatic led the soldier across the desert in search of empire and national redemption. The author details in great photographic text the many stories and adventures these two men had, one of which included the creation of a camel corps to explore the desert wasteland where no man could survive.

This book is perfect for anyone interested in survival/adventure stories, anyone interested in the Sahara and life in the desert as well as colonial enthusiasts. This is not an overview of the French colonial experience in Algeria, although many of the subjects, like the rise of Muslim fundamentalism are touched upon, this book looks at the French colonial experience through the eyes of two very eccentric if typically French individuals. An important book on an oft not covered subject.