El Salvador Volume 1

A severe social and political crisis in El Salvador during politicians, religious figures and activists through strikes but organised the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMNL) and launched an armed insurrection against the government in early 1981.

Within months, the FMLN established itself in control over two departments – which it was to guerrilla’s support base in the countryside. Although bombardments, strafing, shelling, summary execution of anybody captured, and massacres of civilians became the norm of the day, the FMLN continued growing in strength and by 1983, reached the peak of its power and control over the countryside.

El Salvador, Volume 1: Crisis, Coup and Uprising 1970-1983 is the first inclusive and incisive military history of this incredibly vicious, merciless war: one of two major conflicts fought in Central America during the 1980s within the context of the Cold War. Based on official documentation and carefully cross-referenced secondary sources, it is lavishly illustrated with original photographs and custom-drawn colour profiles and is an indispensable single-point source of reference.

“...Enjoyed it.” Historical Miniature Gaming Society

“A nicely done pair of books.” The Historical Miniatures Gaming Society

"An interesting read, with the successes and failures of both sides described, and differences between the different departments of the country.....Detailed text plus the archive images, maps and artwork doing a good job of supporting the narrative. Just how many foreign countries wanted to get involved may surprise some I think, but the complexities of the events in El Salvador during this period are well explained." Military Model Scene

“Superbly written and full of great photos and maps as well a center section of profiles and other artwork, this book gives the reader an excellent look into what the subtitle calls 'crisis, coups, and uprising' in El Salvador during the time covered.” ModelingMadness.com

"Francois does an excellent job offering an entry-level survey of an extraordinarily brutal civil war that lasted for two decades." The Journal of the Air Force Historical Foundation