Iconoclast

Meet an extraordinary adventurer

Explore the fascinating life of Auguste François in Boris Martin’s Iconoclast. A diplomat, explorer, and photographer, he traveled the globe with boldness and curiosity, capturing his discoveries through his lens and his writings. A man apart, rebellious and solitary, he shaped his destiny according to his own rules.

An exceptional life across continents

From Indochina to Paraguay, via Paris during the Belle Époque, this story immerses us in an extraordinary journey. But it was in China that Auguste François became legendary. Facing the powerful governor Paul Doumer, he defended the local populations and opposed a railway project in Yunnan, embodying courage and integrity. His daring expeditions and cartographic explorations left a lasting and precious legacy.

Photographs, correspondence, and travel stories

L’Iconoclaste retraces his life through his photographs, letters, and extraordinary adventures. Each page reveals his curious mind, his love of travel, and his sense of independence, offering readers an immersion into the world of one of the most unique and fascinating diplomats of the 19th century.

A destiny to discover

Immerse yourself in this captivating story and let yourself be carried away by the adventures, discoveries, and unique personality of Auguste François. Iconoclast is an essential read for all lovers of history, travel, and exploration.