Description

Growing up in genteel poverty in seventeenth-century France, young d'Artagnan dreams of becoming a hero. With hopes for glory and adventure in his heart, he sets out to join the elite company of the King's trusted Musketeers. A series of misadventures brings him to a duel with none other than three of his heroes—the Musketeers Porthos, Athos, and Aramis. Impressed by the young man's spirit and with not a moment to lose in their struggle with the power-hungry Cardinal Richelieu, the three men enlist d'Artagnan to join them. What follows this fateful encounter brings d'Artagnan all of the danger, intrigue, and glory that any Musketeer could ever hope for. Beautiful and deadly women, priceless treasures, scandalous secrets—all combine for a riveting tale of adventure and challenge that will put d'Artagnan to the test. Will he succeed in helping the Musketeers defend their King and earn his place among their ranks?

About the Author

Born the son of a military man, Alexandre Dumas (1802-1870) was a voracious reader from early childhood. After the untimely death of his father, his mother regaled him with tales of his father's adventures in battle. The realm of heroic acts and romance had a strong appeal for the young Dumas, and he began his writing career with several plays. After the success of his dramas, Dumas moved into novels, becoming well-known for such works as The Three Musketeers, The Count of Monte Cristo, and The Man in the Iron Mask. Although it might be hard to guess from his current and long-lived popularity, Dumas faced considerable adversity for being of a mixed-race background and, sadly, was never fully accepted into many intellectual and society circles during his lifetime.

Learn more about this author.

Opening Lines (Experimental)

In which it is proved that, notwithstanding their names' ending in OS and IS, the heroes of the story which we are about to have the honor to relate to our readers have nothing mythological about them.
A short time ago, while making researches in the Royal Library for my History of Louis XIV, I ...