The Betrothed of Death The Spanish Foreign Legion During the Rif Rebellion, 1920-1927

Subjects:

• Military Studies » Military History
• Military Studies » Strategy & Tactics
• History » European History -- Modern/20th Century

Awards:

• History Book Club Selection

Reviews:

• This chronological narrative fills a gap in the history of the Spanish Foreign Legion.
  —Choice
• A very well done, very readable treatment of the early history of one of the most formidable fighting forces of the twentieth century. The Betrothed of Deathr is very detailed, refreshingly even-handed, and well documented. Descriptions of battles are quite clear, and there are a number of excellent word portraits of some of the most interesting soldiers of the century, including not only Francisco Franco, but also such remarkable characters as Jose Millan Astray, Albert Castro Girona, and many others not well known outside of Spain. Worthwhile reading for anyone interested in colonial warfare, the Spanish Civil War, in which many of the legionaries would rise to high rank, and elite forces.
  —The NYMAS Newsletter Winter-Spring 2002
• José Álvarez should be commended for tackling such a difficult subject....more entertainingly written than any of the many plodding semi-official histories in Spanish.
  —The International History Review March 2002
• Álvarez takes the reader to new ground with his excellent look at the Spanish Foreign Legion's first campaigns in Africa.
  —Star-Banner
• José Álvarez's book provides the most detailed history in English concerning the establishment of the Spanish Foreign Legion and its role in Spain's "pacification" effects in its Moroccan protectorate during the 1920s.
  
  —The Journal of Military History

• Endorsement From James W. Cortada
  Editor, Historical Dictionary of the Spanish Civil War: Alvarez has written one of the best books available on a twentieth century European military unit. He tells the fascinating story of the Spanish Foreign Legion in its wars in North Africa. It is an incredible tale of military values, courage, and warfare.
• Endorsement From Judith Keene
  Department of History
  The University of Sydney: José Alvarez's The Betrothed of Death: The Spanish Foreign Legion during the Rif Rebellion 1920-1927 will be welcomed by scholars of the Iberian Peninsula. Those interested in 20th century Spanish history will profit from the detailed analysis of the origins of the Spanish Foreign Legion and the role played by this remarkable institution in Spain's fraught relations with the protectorate in Morocco and in the development of Spanish domestic politics.
• Endorsement From Geoffrey Jensen
  Visiting Senior Lecturer
  Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
  Assistant Professor of History
  University of Southern Mississippi: Although often neglected by military historians, Spanish Morocco merits an important place in the history of modern colonial conflict and counter-insurgency. As José Alvarez demonstrates, during the 1920s the Spanish Foreign Legion played a crucial role in the fighting in North Africa. His book covers the fascinating early history of this very colorful fighting force, providing readers with valuable insight into its composition, organization, and military methods and feats.

Table of Contents:

• Preface
• Introduction
• Creation of the Legion, 1919-1920
• First Operations of the Legion, 1921
• Legion Operations, 1922-1923
• Xauen, 1924
• The Alhucemas Bay Landings and Abd-el-Krim's Defeat
• The Finale: Ajdir, Targuist, and Peace, 1926-1927
• Conclusion and Epilogue
• Appendices
• Bibliography
• Index