In 1954 the average age of these neuf historiques was thirty-two (Didouche, the youngest, was only twenty-seven); they originated from all parts of Algeria; all were literate, though they came mostly from modestly-off artisan or middle-class families. None was an évolué intellectual, or liberal — let alone a supporter of Ferhat Abbas. All were dedicated revolutionaries, holding violence to be indispensable.

Horne, Alistair, A Savage War of Peace- Alge…, loc. 236