Iconoclast

Explore the captivating story of Auguste François, an extraordinary consul! This thrilling account reveals his passion for photography, his rebellious nature, and his exotic adventures.

The true story of an exceptional man

In ‘L’Iconoclaste,’ Boris Martin immerses us in the adventurous and eventful life of Auguste François. A diplomat and explorer, this man with an extraordinary journey traveled the globe for two decades. He captured all his discoveries, both with his camera and his spirit.
Auguste François is no ordinary man. A misanthrope, he prefers the solitude of the forests to society and despises intrigue. He embodies the art of living according to his own rules, without banality. This book traces his life through his photographs and correspondences.

A travel and adventure narrative

This travelogue takes us from Indochina to Paraguay, through the Paris of the Belle Époque. However, it is in China that Auguste François becomes a true legend. In the land of the rising sun, he clashes with Paul Doumer, the powerful governor of Indochina. He opposes him to protect the country from an imminent war related to the construction of the Yunnan railway.
Auguste François’s audacious expeditions and incredible adventures allowed him to map uncharted regions, leaving behind a valuable cartographic legacy. Dive into the exceptional destiny of a man who always followed his own path by reading ‘L’Iconoclaste’.