The d'Astier Brothers in the Resistance - François, Henri and Emmanuel d'Astier de La Vigerie, Companions of the Liberation

Unique in the history of the Ordre de la Libération, all three d'Astier de La Vigerie brothers were recognised as Companions by General de Gaulle. François, an air force general and an ace of 1914–1918, was the only French officer throughout the entire war to officially hold the title of deputy to the General; Henri, of Action française inspiration, was "the soul of the Resistance in North Africa", one of the principal architects of the American landings and then the instigator of the assassination of Admiral Darlan, ending the war at the head of the Commandos de France; and finally, the youngest, Emmanuel, was the founder of the Libération movement before serving as Minister of the Interior in the Provisional Government. Emmanuel Rondeau delivers the first biography of this incomparable trio of brothers.

Tracing the threads of their revolt in the face of the 1940 defeat, the author follows their fascinating journey through to the day of victory in which they played a crucial role, weaving a remarkable mosaic of the three nerve centres of the Resistance: London, Algiers, and occupied France. Drawing on privileged access to previously unpublished archives, the author takes us on a vivid journey through the key events of the Second World War.