The Three Musketeers (Barnes & Noble Classics Series)

By Alexandre Dumas and Barbara T. Cooper

The Three Musketeers, by Alexandre Dumas, is part of the Barnes & Noble Classics series, which offers quality editions at affordable prices to the student and the general reader, including new scholarship, thoughtful design, and pages of carefully crafted extras. Here are some of the remarkable features of Barnes & Noble Classics:

• New introductions commissioned from today's top writers and scholars
• Biographies of the authors
• Chronologies of contemporary historical, biographical, and cultural events
• Footnotes and endnotes
• Selective discussions of imitations, parodies, poems, books, plays, paintings, operas, statuary, and films inspired by the work
• Comments by other famous authors
• Study questions to challenge the reader's viewpoints and expectations
• Bibliographies for further reading
• Indices & Glossaries, when appropriate

All editions are beautifully designed and are printed to superior specifications; some include illustrations of historical interest. Barnes & Noble Classics pulls together a constellation of influences—biographical, historical, and literary—to enrich each reader's understanding of these enduring works.

 

Mixing a bit of seventeenth-century French history with a great deal of invention, Alexandre Dumas tells the tale of young D’Artagnan and his musketeer comrades, Porthos, Athos and Aramis. Together they fight to foil the schemes of the brilliant, dangerous Cardinal Richelieu, who pretends to support the king while plotting to advance his own power. Bursting with swirling swordplay, swooning romance, and unforgettable figures such as the seductively beautiful but deadly femme fatale, Milady, and D’Artagnan’s equally beautiful love, Madame Bonacieux, The Three Musketeers continues, after a century and a half of continuous publication, to define the genre of swashbuckling romance and historical adventure.

Barbara T. Cooper is Professor of French at the University of New Hampshire. She is a member of the editorial boards of Nineteenth-Century French Studies and the Cahiers Alexandre Dumas and specializes in nineteenth-century French drama and works by Dumas.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barnes & Noble Classics
• Release date: Jun 1, 2009
• ISBN: 9781411433298

Alexandre Dumas

Alexandre Dumas was born in 1802. After a childhood of extreme poverty, he took work as a clerk, and met the renowned actor Talma, and began to write short pieces for the theatre. After twenty years of success as a playwright, Dumas turned his hand to novel-writing, and penned such classics as The Count of Monte Cristo (1844), La Reine Margot (1845) and The Black Tulip (1850). After enduring a short period of bankruptcy, Dumas began to travel extensively, still keeping up a prodigious output of journalism, short fiction and novels. He fathered an illegitimate child, also called Alexandre, who would grow up to write La Dame aux Camélias. He died in Dieppe in 1870.

Reviews for The Three Musketeers (Barnes & Noble Classics Series)

[haloedrain · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I almost put it down in the beginning, despite the better translation, when the only thing that happens is d'Artagnan getting into duels with every single person he meets. The story did become interesting after a while, but the characters really weren't (with the exception of Milady).

And can you use the term "fridging" for a book that takes place prior to the invention of the refrigerator?

[clarencex_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I first read this book as a youngster and enjoyed it although i didn't really follow all of the plot. I just read it again about 60 years later. I loved it. At first it seemed a little juvenile but I quickly fell under its spell.The reviews above have mentioned many of the things I liked, but I would like to add one thing not mentioned heretofore. I just finished reading an excellent long account of the English Civil War, which made me want to read fiction of the period. I was very impressed with the accuracy of Dumas's depiction of events. My newly acquired knowledge of the period greatly increased my enjoyment of Dumas's imagination. There is nothing in the novel that disagrees with the history of that period. Plus he adds all these lovely imaginary details, e.g. the motives of the fanatic who assassinated Buckingham. Great stuff. Milady has to be one of the most fascinating characters in fiction.

[awxomeman · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is the adventures of d'Artagnan and is friends Porthos, Athos, and Aramis. Together the live by the motto "all for one, and one for all" and protect the rulers of France from the evil Cardinal Richelieu.This story has a little bit of everything, action, adventure, romance, comedy, it just a fun read all around.I would use this book in a unit on French literature or in conjunction with a unit on medieval romances as it shares many of the same themes as they have.

[derekgries · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I was surprized at how complex and detailed the writting is. Absolutly every thought and movement is stated by the author. And the vocabulary was huge. I was thinking about how many more words people knew one hundred years ago.

[jshillingford_2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Like many people, I had seen movies based on the novel. A few were excellent, most mediocre, and none able to capture the magic of the novel. A book with political intrigue, duels, action, adventure and a love story is hard to match! D'Artagnan is the quintessential hero. He's young, handsome, brash, idealistic and passionately loyal. France is in disarray, thanks to a manipulation of a ruthless cardinal. Can four companions save king and country?This is the kind of book that will get young people to see the value in reading. Though the language is a little old fashioned (it is historical fiction after all) it does not make reading difficult as in some works. Highly recommended!

[kuiperdolin · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Un excellent roman, bien meilleur que toutes ses adaptations, et dominé par le remarquable personnage de Milady de Winter. Une histoire particulièrement sombre et triste à bien y regarder, loin du cape et d'épée clichetoneux.

[ariebonn · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is one of the longest books I have read lately. At first it was a little intimidating but when I finally got the courage to start reading it I discovered that it's fast paced and couldn't stop reading. This book is full of action, the events are cleverly interwoven to make a complex plot of friendship, loyalty, romance, adventure and suspense. I found the characters to be all so fascinating, it starts with the great D'Artagnan whose hot hotheadedness accounts for most of the adventures and which leads him to meet with the famous three musketeers, Athos, Porthos and Aramis. Once they are sworn as friends the four men become inseparable and live by their motto "all for one, one for all", they demonstrate loyalty for each other until the end. I recently learned that Alexandre Dumas wrote two more books to follow this one, Twenty Years After and The Vicomte De Bragelonne, the three books are also known as the D'Artagnan Romances. This made me curious to get hold of the next books and find out what happened after The Three Musketeers. With every classic that I read I realize that these books truly deserve to be called classics and why I should really read more of them.

[meyben_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A young man goes to Paris to join the Musketeers. He finds love, and hate, plus adventure. Very long book. Take time reading, can be confusing.

[idiom_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Well swash my buckle and buckle my swash!Loved the books and the Oliver Reed/Raquel Welsh films. But more than anything loved the way that Dumas took time to concentrate on the Baroness and created the first, real modern villaness.One of those books which completely surprises you.En guard!

[schmerguls · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

1198. The Three Musketeers, by Alexandre Dumas (read 19 Nov 1972) I got the same thrill from reading this book as I used to get from the Rover Boys and from Mary T. Waggaman books. I really enjoyed it. It tells the story of D'Artagan, from April 1625, when he leaves his father's house for Paris, till Sept. 1628. He meets the three musketeers--Porthos, Aramis, and Athos--and has many adventures. The villain--Milady--is a fantastic creation who is credited with instigating John Felton's assassination of the duke of Buckingham on Aug. 23, 1628, at Portsmouth, as well as a host of fictional crimes. The seige of La Rochelle occupies--as a backdrop--the latter part of the book, tho the heroes spend most of their time gallivanting around elsewhere. Old-fashioned but delightful melodrama.

[takeitorleaveit_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

a classic. I was always a fan of d'Artagnan and French historical fiction. maybe that's why I dig french culture so much. they're so playful!

[bluehat1955 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The Three Musketeers' objective is to entertain; this novel is solid adventure, from first to final page. I expected a more riveting plot, however, and I also hoped for the demonstration of themes worthy of a master author such as Dumas. But it is a book that presents problems that are invariably solved by swordplay. The theme of camaraderie is, of course, ubiquitous, as is the theme of youthful love that continuously vascillates. Quick to read and somewhat amusing. But you won't be exposed to any enduring questions to ponder.

[alera_6 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I went into this novel expecting exactly what I got. A young man falling into a game of political schemes, running into fights with all the wrong people, and meeting three gentlemen who would became his greatest companions. It was a nice read, and I can completely understand how these books have lasted as the inspiration for the 'adventure' genre. At it's base it's about a man, going out with his friends, protecting the honor of a lady, and in the end being rewarded by his own enemy for his wit, intellect, and ability to handle a sword.

[trgllylibrarian · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Now that I have finally read this book, I think I understand France a bit better.

[vibrantminds · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Kings Musketeers, Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and their dealings to protect Queen Anne from the Cardinal and his spies most prominently, Milady. With the help of the young d'Artagnan who very much wants to be one of the Musketeers the adventures come forth. The first half of the book tends to drag a bit but by the middle to the end was a pleasant read.

[heidijane_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Having only been exposed to the Disney and Dogtanian version of this story, I thought I would undertake to read the real thing. And wow, I wasn't disappointed! According to the introduction, Dumas wrote this book serialised daily, which is quite some feat! It also means that each chapter ends on a cliff-hanger or something else that draws you in to keep reading. Its an exciting, thrilling tale of daring and adventure. Last night I had to stay up late to finish it, despite the fact that I was really tired, as the book progressed towards its inevitably tragic and dramatic climax.Admittedly, the main characters are hardly sympathetic. The musketeers and D'artagnan are all hard-drinking and loose with their money, sponging off their friends and treating their servants with contempt. Their relationships with women are quite cavalier too. The most sympathetic one is Athos, whose past comes back to haunt him and who increasingly occupies a greater role in the story towards the end as he seeks his revenge.Of the baddies, I was a bit disappointed with the cardinal, as he seemed to me to be rather an insipid character, torn between his admiration for the daring feats of the musketeers and his dislike for the fact that they keep undermining his dastardly plots. The best character is definitely Milady, a cold and calculated actress who can twist people round her little finger to do what she wants. Yet even she seems scared of losing the cardinal's favour.This is a brilliantly multi-layered book which, due to the plot full of political machinations, intrigues and secrets, is, at its heart, a damn good read.

[lyzadanger · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Here's a book that has infiltrated popular culture to a certain extent for over 150 years. I've seen derivative movies, ridden themed amusement rides, shouted 'All for one...!' during heated moments. But I'd never read the book itself.Sure, I can check it off of my 'well read' list now. But the experience, though entertaining for the most part, left me wondering exactly what the big deal is about this novel.I'm going to warrant a guess that it was genre-shaping, and its outright irreverence was probably a kick in the pants to its 19th century audience. Dumas' treatment of illicit affairs is not subtle, and there is raunchy humor sprinkled liberally throughout.This is a boy's novel, thoroughly. Though the main antagonist is a crafty female, the real depth of character is saved for the four heroes (d'Artagnan, Porthos, Athos, Aramis). And it would be an overstatement to call this swashbuckling adventure a character study, anyway.The action is pretty constant, although occasionally formulaic (and thus predictable). Dumas uses patterns that sound poetic or mythic sometimes: a certain adventure befalls each of the four protagonists in rhythmic succession, for example. Something I learned, as an aside: Dumas wrote in tandem with a history teacher, Auguste Maquet, who served as his researcher and did a good amount of the outlining and a bit of the writing.

[kawgirl · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I read this in jr. high school. A story that is great fun!

[locriian · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

SO HILARIOUS I wish I was a musketeer all I want to do is run around duelling people who offend me and getting sugar mommas to give me money and stealing wine and having picnics during battles. Athos and porthos are my favorites.

[jimmaclachlan · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A must-read, at least once. I'm not terribly fond of Dumas' style of writing, but it is a lot more readable than some of his era. The story is a classic & has been rehashed so many times that it is really worth seeing what everyone has begged, borrowed & stolen over the years. I've read it twice & may read it again before I die, but probably only once more.

[writercity · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An old tale that I will never tire of, for I wished to be a musketeer.

[kakadoo202 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

a great adventure book. you think you kow the story but once you read it you realize that you dont know even half of it. interesting characters. intriegues. love. jeaulosy. duels. swords. kings and queens. just great.

[jvioland_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The well-known story is worth the read. Very action packed and engaging. Written as though you were observing, not reading. Great book. Far better than any movie.

[ma_washigeri · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Glad I re-read it in the original translation of 1946. There were lots of words I had to look up. I enjoyed the pace of the writing - the musketeers, and others, tearing around, always in a hurry, whether to find their next meal, or chasing a villain - and the short chapters complimented that perfectly. As a teenager I mostly missed the casual violence - enjoying the daring-do and romance - but I've certainly had to revise my opinions of what was my top favourite character Athos, I can't condone his treatment of his young wife no matter how wicked the lady becomes later. And I appreciate far more both Lady De Winter and the cardinal. Still it is a wonderful romp through Paris, France and London, and a heartfelt celebration of brotherhood and loyalty.

[akreese · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I'm sure most people are familiar with the story line of The Three Musketeers from hollywood movies, but what you don't get in the movies is Dumas' wonderful dry wit. This book is an excellent read, and if you are willing to push through some of the dry parts you will be amply rewarded with an exciting tale.

[tryion · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Michael York films of the 70's capture the spirit of this book, but there are surprises in store for some of the characters!

[clicksclan · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Took me quite a while to get through, mainly because I spent a lot of time trying to read it with white text on a black background (which sent me to sleep when I turned the light off in bed at night).Not a time period I'm very familiar with so I wasn't so sure about what the political tensions were about.There were some quite funny bits, especially in the dialogue between the Musketeers.Didn't much like d'Artagnan at the start but he grew on me through the book and by the end I felt quite sorry for him.

[lit_chick_2 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

2007, Blackstone Audiobooks, Read by Simon VanceI love classics and read them often, but The Three Musketeers was not one I could get drawn into. I read The Count of Monte Cristo several years ago, loved it, and it remains one of my all-time favourites. So I hoped to revisit that experience with the first of Dumas’ D’Artagnan Romances. But it was not to be. I felt completely indifferent towards the characters: D’Artanan and the musketeers alike, as well as the scheming Cardinal and Milady.I cannot not recommend Dumas and this well-loved classic, but I will say that readers who loved [The Count] will not necessarily have a similar experience with this one. The audio version is narrated by the inimitable Simon Vance, so it certainly has that in its favour.

[adonisguilfoyle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Accessible, witty translation of a classic, and a quick, enjoyable read for all its bulk! Milady de Winter is now one of my favourite literary heroines: smart, beautiful, glamorous and active, she is always scheming, ever alluring, and the most vivid character in the book. Painted as a serpent and a devil, it seems her only 'crime' is to have been smarter than the many men in her life, most of whom, used up and spat out, come seeking vengeance. I am firmly in Milady's corner, however, as she is as much wronged as wrong-doer, and at least has the strength to move on and enjoy her life. An evocative tale of seventeenth century France, with a smattering of history amidst the camaraderie, desire, honour and fighting.

[misfit_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What fun! This books just jumps right out and keeps moving along (except for a couple of slow spots -- but needed to develop the character's past, etc.) The cameraderie between the Musketeers is awesome and they are incredibly wonderful scamps. D'artagnon was adorable, as were Athos, Aramis and Porthos. The evil Milady was truly EVIL and WICKED. The dialogue was awesome, it just crackled right along. I think we all know the basic story and how it ended, but reading the book was much more enjoyable than the movie, as they always are. It did bring back many memories of that wonderful version from the 70's, with Michael York and Raquel Welch. I will have to revisit that, and am looking forward to reading the sequels. Dumas is truly a brilliant author