Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Under Two Flags is a novel by the British author Ouida. It tells the story of a young Englishman named Bertie Cecil who leaves his privileged life in England and joins the French Foreign Legion. He is drawn to the adventure and romance of the Legion, and finds himself embroiled in a love triangle between two women: Cigarette, a wild and beautiful gypsy girl who serves as a spy for the Legion, and Lady Venetia, a wealthy and refined Englishwoman who is engaged to Bertie's best friend.Set in Algeria during the 19th century, the novel explores themes of loyalty, honor, and sacrifice. It also offers a vivid portrayal of life in the Foreign Legion, with its harsh training, brutal battles, and camaraderie among soldiers from all over the world.Under Two Flags was first published in 1867 and became a popular sensation, with its romanticized portrayal of the Legion and its exotic setting. It has been adapted into several films and stage productions over the years, and remains a classic work of adventure and romance.Her voice rang clear as a clarion; the warm blood burned in her bright cheeks; the swift, fiery, pathetic eloquence of her nation moved her, and moved strangely the hearts of her hearers; for though she could neither read nor write, there was in Cigarette the germ of that power which the world mistily calls genius.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.