Under Two Flags

A young English guardsman, Bertie Cecil, takes the blame for another's crime, leaves behind his privileged life and enlists in the French cavalry in Algeria. There he meets Cigarette, a fearless vivandière who wins the hearts of the soldiers and becomes his unlikely protector. Under Two Flags is a sweeping adventure of honor, love, and sacrifice, set against the heat and danger of the desert and the glitter of London society.

Ouida's 1867 novel was a sensation in its day, and its vivid characters and dramatic scenes still hold power. Readers who enjoy classic adventure stories, military fiction, and strong heroines will find much to admire in Cigarette, one of Victorian literature's most memorable women. The novel also offers a window into nineteenth-century attitudes toward empire, courage, and loyalty.

This edition contains the complete text of Under Two Flags, a new introduction, a character guide, a summary of the plot, a list of themes, a glossary of period terms, and discussion questions for readers and book clubs. It is designed to make Ouida's novel accessible and enjoyable for today's readers.