ALGERIAN WAR OF INDEPENDENCE PRESS PHOTOGRAPHS

Comprehensive collection of large-format photographs showing one of the bitterest colonial wars.

A group of 123 press photographs, dated 1956-1962, various sizes (most approx. 180 x 235 mm. with a few larger or smaller), most with typescript descriptions on versos, stamps and serial numbers of various American and French press agencies. (Some light creasing.)

A large, rare collection of photographs of scenes and protagonists of the Algerian War of Independence. 17 images show the escalation of French troops within Algeria, with several showing ‘hearts and minds’ operations, with medical corps delivering services to Algerian villagers, and troops standing in as school teachers. Numerous others show riots and disturbances within urban areas such as Algiers and Oran, with police and military quelling unrest from Algerian nationalists and pro-France loyalists, as well the effects of various bombings and shows of force. French generals and politicians such as Jacques Massu, Jean Morin and Charles Ailleret appear as well as Pierre Lagaillarde and Raoul Salan of the Organisation armée secrète (OAS). A number of important Algerian nationalists are also shown, including Mohammed Yazid, Ahmed Ben Bella, Mohamed Boudiaf, Mohamed Khider, Mostefa Lacheraf and Hocine Aït Ahmed. Other photographs show voting in various polling stations, victims of massacres, Arab suspects under arrest, discoveries of arms dumps and shipments, and of demonstrations and barricades. 52 images are reproductions of press photographs, but seemingly used by various media with various markings.