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Le vicomte de Bragelonne #1/4
THE VICOMTE DE BRAGELONNE (Annotated)
The Vicomte of Bragelonne: Ten Years Later (Le Vicomte de Bragelonne ou Dix ans plus tard) is a novel by Alexandre Dumas, père. It is the third and last of the d'Artagnan Romances following The Three Musketeers and Twenty Years After. It appeared first in serial form between 1847 and 1850.
The Vicomte of Bragelonne is the first volume of this work relating the events of 1660
The Vicomte of Bragelonne is the first volume of this work relating the events of 1660
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2015
About the author
Alexandre Dumas
6,954 books13.3k followersThis note regards Alexandre Dumas, père, the father of Alexandre Dumas, fils (son). For the son, see Alexandre Dumas fils.
Alexandre Dumas père, born Alexandre Dumas Davy de la Pailleterie, was a towering figure of 19th-century French literature whose historical novels and adventure tales earned global renown. Best known for The Three Musketeers, The Count of Monte Cristo, and other swashbuckling epics, Dumas crafted stories filled with daring heroes, dramatic twists, and vivid historical backdrops. His works, often serialized and immensely popular with the public, helped shape the modern adventure genre and remain enduring staples of world literature.
Dumas was the son of Thomas-Alexandre Dumas, a celebrated general in Revolutionary France and the highest-ranking man of African descent in a European army at the time. His father’s early death left the family in poverty, but Dumas’s upbringing was nonetheless marked by strong personal ambition and a deep admiration for his father’s achievements. He moved to Paris as a young man and began his literary career writing for the theatre, quickly rising to prominence in the Romantic movement with successful plays like Henri III et sa cour and Antony.
In the 1840s, Dumas turned increasingly toward prose fiction, particularly serialized novels, which reached vast audiences through French newspapers. His collaboration with Auguste Maquet, a skilled plotter and historian, proved fruitful. While Maquet drafted outlines and conducted research, Dumas infused the narratives with flair, dialogue, and color. The result was a string of literary triumphs, including The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo, both published in 1844. These novels exemplified Dumas’s flair for suspenseful pacing, memorable characters, and grand themes of justice, loyalty, and revenge.
The D’Artagnan Romances—The Three Musketeers, Twenty Years After, and The Vicomte of Bragelonne—cemented his fame. They follow the adventures of the titular Gascon hero and his comrades Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, blending historical fact and fiction into richly imagined narratives. The Count of Monte Cristo offered a darker, more introspective tale of betrayal and retribution, with intricate plotting and a deeply philosophical core.
Dumas was also active in journalism and theater. He founded the Théâtre Historique in Paris, which staged dramatizations of his own novels. A prolific and energetic writer, he is estimated to have written or co-written over 100,000 pages of fiction, plays, memoirs, travel books, and essays. He also had a strong interest in food and published a massive culinary encyclopedia, Le Grand Dictionnaire de cuisine, filled with recipes, anecdotes, and reflections on gastronomy.
Despite his enormous success, Dumas was frequently plagued by financial troubles. He led a lavish lifestyle, building the ornate Château de Monte-Cristo near Paris, employing large staffs, and supporting many friends and relatives. His generosity and appetite for life often outpaced his income, leading to mounting debts. Still, his creative drive rarely waned.
Dumas’s mixed-race background was a source of both pride and tension in his life. He was outspoken about his heritage and used his platform to address race and injustice. In his novel Georges, he explored issues of colonialism and identity through a Creole protagonist. Though he encountered racism, he refused to be silenced, famously replying to a racial insult by pointing to his ancestry and achievements with dignity and wit.
Later in life, Dumas continued writing and traveling, spending time in Belgium, Italy, and Russia. He supported nationalist causes, particularly Italian unification, and even founded a newspaper to advocate for Giuseppe Garibaldi. Though his popularity waned somewhat in his final years, his literary legacy grew steadily. He wrote in a style that was accessible, entertaining, and emotionally reso
Alexandre Dumas père, born Alexandre Dumas Davy de la Pailleterie, was a towering figure of 19th-century French literature whose historical novels and adventure tales earned global renown. Best known for The Three Musketeers, The Count of Monte Cristo, and other swashbuckling epics, Dumas crafted stories filled with daring heroes, dramatic twists, and vivid historical backdrops. His works, often serialized and immensely popular with the public, helped shape the modern adventure genre and remain enduring staples of world literature.
Dumas was the son of Thomas-Alexandre Dumas, a celebrated general in Revolutionary France and the highest-ranking man of African descent in a European army at the time. His father’s early death left the family in poverty, but Dumas’s upbringing was nonetheless marked by strong personal ambition and a deep admiration for his father’s achievements. He moved to Paris as a young man and began his literary career writing for the theatre, quickly rising to prominence in the Romantic movement with successful plays like Henri III et sa cour and Antony.
In the 1840s, Dumas turned increasingly toward prose fiction, particularly serialized novels, which reached vast audiences through French newspapers. His collaboration with Auguste Maquet, a skilled plotter and historian, proved fruitful. While Maquet drafted outlines and conducted research, Dumas infused the narratives with flair, dialogue, and color. The result was a string of literary triumphs, including The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo, both published in 1844. These novels exemplified Dumas’s flair for suspenseful pacing, memorable characters, and grand themes of justice, loyalty, and revenge.
The D’Artagnan Romances—The Three Musketeers, Twenty Years After, and The Vicomte of Bragelonne—cemented his fame. They follow the adventures of the titular Gascon hero and his comrades Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, blending historical fact and fiction into richly imagined narratives. The Count of Monte Cristo offered a darker, more introspective tale of betrayal and retribution, with intricate plotting and a deeply philosophical core.
Dumas was also active in journalism and theater. He founded the Théâtre Historique in Paris, which staged dramatizations of his own novels. A prolific and energetic writer, he is estimated to have written or co-written over 100,000 pages of fiction, plays, memoirs, travel books, and essays. He also had a strong interest in food and published a massive culinary encyclopedia, Le Grand Dictionnaire de cuisine, filled with recipes, anecdotes, and reflections on gastronomy.
Despite his enormous success, Dumas was frequently plagued by financial troubles. He led a lavish lifestyle, building the ornate Château de Monte-Cristo near Paris, employing large staffs, and supporting many friends and relatives. His generosity and appetite for life often outpaced his income, leading to mounting debts. Still, his creative drive rarely waned.
Dumas’s mixed-race background was a source of both pride and tension in his life. He was outspoken about his heritage and used his platform to address race and injustice. In his novel Georges, he explored issues of colonialism and identity through a Creole protagonist. Though he encountered racism, he refused to be silenced, famously replying to a racial insult by pointing to his ancestry and achievements with dignity and wit.
Later in life, Dumas continued writing and traveling, spending time in Belgium, Italy, and Russia. He supported nationalist causes, particularly Italian unification, and even founded a newspaper to advocate for Giuseppe Garibaldi. Though his popularity waned somewhat in his final years, his literary legacy grew steadily. He wrote in a style that was accessible, entertaining, and emotionally reso
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 18, 2026
Ends with a Bang! Dumas definitely keep one turning the pages. Yes, sometimes, the story lulls like a trough in the waves, but soon enough it rises up and crashes over.
D’Artagnan is certainly in his finest form. Young Lous XIV is just starting to wrestle the power of kingship with Mazarin’s death and new troubles faces him. Restoration of Charles II is the hand that gives D’Artagnan what he desires— the comfort of retirement. Finally , recognized for his contributions and remunerated appropriately.
Allons-y! Louise de la Valliere.
D’Artagnan is certainly in his finest form. Young Lous XIV is just starting to wrestle the power of kingship with Mazarin’s death and new troubles faces him. Restoration of Charles II is the hand that gives D’Artagnan what he desires— the comfort of retirement. Finally , recognized for his contributions and remunerated appropriately.
Allons-y! Louise de la Valliere.
November 2, 2021
Către mijlocul lunii lui mai, în anul 1660, într-o dimineaţă pe la ceasurile nouă, când razele soarelui, destul de fierbinţi, sorbeau rouă de pe micsandrele din parcul castelului de la Blois, un mic grup de călăreţi, format din trei bărbaţi şi doi paji, trecea peste podul de la intrarea în oraş, fără să producă altă tulburare în rândurile celor ce se plimbau pe chei, decât, în primul rând, o mişcare a mâinii spre pălărie, în semn de salut, apoi o mişcare o limbii pentru a rosti aceste cuvinte în cea mai curată franţuzească ce se poate vorbi în Franţa:
― Iată-l pe Domnul, care se reîntoarce de la vânătoare. Atâta tot.
Dar în timp ce caii urcau gâfâind panta care ducea de la râu către poarta castelului, o ceată de băieţi de prăvălie se luă după cel din urmă cal, care ducea, atârnate la oblâncul şeii, câteva păsări legate cioc lângă cioc.
Văzând aceasta, privitorii îşi dădură coate, exprimându-şi, cu ghiduşia lor ţărănească, dispreţul faţă de o pradă atât de neînsemnată, şi, după ce-şi împărtăşiră părerile asupra ne-ajunsurilor vânatului cu şoimi domesticiţi, se reîntoarseră la îndeletnicirile lor. Numai unul dintre ei, un flăcău bucălat şi totdeauna pus pe şagă, întrebă de ce oare Domnul, care ar putea să-şi petreacă vremea într-un chip mult mai plăcut, datorita averii lui, se mulţumea cu o distracţie atât de măruntă şi de sărăcăcioasă.
― Eh, tu nu ştii ― îi răspunse unul de-ai lui ― că Domnul atunci petrece mai bine, când i se urăşte?
Flăcăul cel şăgalnic dădu din umeri, cu un gest care voia să spună cât se poate de limpede: „Dacă-i aşa, atunci mai bine să rămân ţăran, decât să ajung prinţ”.
Şi fiecare îşi văzu de treburile lui.
În acest timp, Domnul îşi continua drumul cu un aer atât de abătut şi de marţial totodată, încât ar fi stârnit fără îndoială admiraţia spectatorilor, dacă ar fi fost cineva care să-l privească; însă burghezii din Blois nu-i puteau ierta Domnului că şi-a ales tocmai acest orăşel atât de vesel în care să se plictisească după voia lui şi, de fiecare dată când îl zăreau pe augustul plictisit, întorceau feţele căscând lung, sau îşi trăgeau repede capetele pe ferestre, spre a scăpa de toropeala molipsitoare a acestui chip prelung şi gălbejit, cu ochi obosiţi şi cu o privire veşnic întristată. În aşa fel că vrednicul Prinţ putea fi aproape sigur că va găsi totdeauna străzile pustii ori de câte ori s-ar fi abătut prin mijlocul lor.
Aceasta era, însă, din partea locuitorilor din Blois, o condamnabilă lipsă de respect, dat fiind că Domnul trecea, după rege şi poate chiar înaintea regelui, drept cel mai mare senior al regatului. Într-adevăr, Dumnezeu, care îi hărăzise lui Ludovic al XIV-lea, acum pe tron, fericirea de a fi urmaşul lui Ludovic al XIII-lea, îi hărăzise Domnului onoarea de a fi urmaşul lui Henric al IV-lea. Nu era, aşadar, sau în tot cazul nu putea fi un motiv prea mărunt de mândrie pentru oraşul Blois faptul că aici îşi alesese reşedinţa Gaston de Orléans, care îşi avea curtea în vechiul castel al Statelor. Dar îi fusese scris acestui mare Prinţ să nu atragă niciodată atenţia poporului sau admiraţia lui, oriunde s-ar fi întâlnit cu el. Domnul se obişnuise însă cu asta şi se resemnase.
De aici pornea pesemne acea netulburată plictiseală ce se citea totdeauna pe chipul său. Domnul fusese un om foarte ocupat în viaţa lui. Nu poţi privi cum li se taie capetele la mai bine de zece dintre cei mai buni prieteni ai tăi fără ca asta să nu-ţi stârnească o anumită indignare. Dar cum după instalarea domnului de Mazarin în fruntea treburilor ţării nu s-a mai tăiat capul nimănui, Domnul nu mai avea nicio preocupare şi lucrul acesta se răsfrângea adânc asupra moralului său.
― Iată-l pe Domnul, care se reîntoarce de la vânătoare. Atâta tot.
Dar în timp ce caii urcau gâfâind panta care ducea de la râu către poarta castelului, o ceată de băieţi de prăvălie se luă după cel din urmă cal, care ducea, atârnate la oblâncul şeii, câteva păsări legate cioc lângă cioc.
Văzând aceasta, privitorii îşi dădură coate, exprimându-şi, cu ghiduşia lor ţărănească, dispreţul faţă de o pradă atât de neînsemnată, şi, după ce-şi împărtăşiră părerile asupra ne-ajunsurilor vânatului cu şoimi domesticiţi, se reîntoarseră la îndeletnicirile lor. Numai unul dintre ei, un flăcău bucălat şi totdeauna pus pe şagă, întrebă de ce oare Domnul, care ar putea să-şi petreacă vremea într-un chip mult mai plăcut, datorita averii lui, se mulţumea cu o distracţie atât de măruntă şi de sărăcăcioasă.
― Eh, tu nu ştii ― îi răspunse unul de-ai lui ― că Domnul atunci petrece mai bine, când i se urăşte?
Flăcăul cel şăgalnic dădu din umeri, cu un gest care voia să spună cât se poate de limpede: „Dacă-i aşa, atunci mai bine să rămân ţăran, decât să ajung prinţ”.
Şi fiecare îşi văzu de treburile lui.
În acest timp, Domnul îşi continua drumul cu un aer atât de abătut şi de marţial totodată, încât ar fi stârnit fără îndoială admiraţia spectatorilor, dacă ar fi fost cineva care să-l privească; însă burghezii din Blois nu-i puteau ierta Domnului că şi-a ales tocmai acest orăşel atât de vesel în care să se plictisească după voia lui şi, de fiecare dată când îl zăreau pe augustul plictisit, întorceau feţele căscând lung, sau îşi trăgeau repede capetele pe ferestre, spre a scăpa de toropeala molipsitoare a acestui chip prelung şi gălbejit, cu ochi obosiţi şi cu o privire veşnic întristată. În aşa fel că vrednicul Prinţ putea fi aproape sigur că va găsi totdeauna străzile pustii ori de câte ori s-ar fi abătut prin mijlocul lor.
Aceasta era, însă, din partea locuitorilor din Blois, o condamnabilă lipsă de respect, dat fiind că Domnul trecea, după rege şi poate chiar înaintea regelui, drept cel mai mare senior al regatului. Într-adevăr, Dumnezeu, care îi hărăzise lui Ludovic al XIV-lea, acum pe tron, fericirea de a fi urmaşul lui Ludovic al XIII-lea, îi hărăzise Domnului onoarea de a fi urmaşul lui Henric al IV-lea. Nu era, aşadar, sau în tot cazul nu putea fi un motiv prea mărunt de mândrie pentru oraşul Blois faptul că aici îşi alesese reşedinţa Gaston de Orléans, care îşi avea curtea în vechiul castel al Statelor. Dar îi fusese scris acestui mare Prinţ să nu atragă niciodată atenţia poporului sau admiraţia lui, oriunde s-ar fi întâlnit cu el. Domnul se obişnuise însă cu asta şi se resemnase.
De aici pornea pesemne acea netulburată plictiseală ce se citea totdeauna pe chipul său. Domnul fusese un om foarte ocupat în viaţa lui. Nu poţi privi cum li se taie capetele la mai bine de zece dintre cei mai buni prieteni ai tăi fără ca asta să nu-ţi stârnească o anumită indignare. Dar cum după instalarea domnului de Mazarin în fruntea treburilor ţării nu s-a mai tăiat capul nimănui, Domnul nu mai avea nicio preocupare şi lucrul acesta se răsfrângea adânc asupra moralului său.
June 10, 2025
It’s a little sad how the third “book” (or four books) of this series get truncated but it is a bit of a meandering mess narratively speaking. The titular character for example barely shows up in the story. That being said it continues the level of excellence set by the previous two instalments and does a great job of establishing Louis XIV as the first monarch we really care about.
October 19, 2021
3 ☆
Raoul 😔🩷
I need to re-read the whole d'Artagnan romances some day.
Raoul 😔🩷
I need to re-read the whole d'Artagnan romances some day.
September 7, 2023
I read this entirely on my trip to Iceland, reading it on airplanes, in coffee shops, in hostels, and in my tent. I frequently found myself desiring to sit awhile and return to the continued adventures of d’Artagnan and company, even thinking of it occasionally while backpacking.
This is only part 1 of the 4 part version of the final book of the Three Musketeers series. I don’t think it’s quite as exciting and filled with intrigue as the initial title in the series, but I did find it entertaining and less political than the second (a plus!).
Dumas follows one plot line through to completion then quickly starts another with references to the first. I think it’s evident that Dumas is attempting to drag out tiny plots for serialization profits and extend the intrigue of d’Artagnan and his escapades into an evolving and everlasting adventure. I’m sure there’s a huge culmination awaiting me at the end, but the ‘to be continued’ nature of the end of this one means i’ll just have to pick up the next as soon as I can.
Focused mainly on d’Artagnan and not a ton on the rest of the original musketeers. I imagine the later parts pull all back together in another “the gang reconvenes” storyline but that hasn’t yet happened in the first 75 chapters.
I’ll always recommend Dumas if intrigue, gallantry, political drama, and exciting chapters are your thing. 4/5 for Part 1 of Vicomte de Bragelonne: the Vicomte of Bragelonne!
This is only part 1 of the 4 part version of the final book of the Three Musketeers series. I don’t think it’s quite as exciting and filled with intrigue as the initial title in the series, but I did find it entertaining and less political than the second (a plus!).
Dumas follows one plot line through to completion then quickly starts another with references to the first. I think it’s evident that Dumas is attempting to drag out tiny plots for serialization profits and extend the intrigue of d’Artagnan and his escapades into an evolving and everlasting adventure. I’m sure there’s a huge culmination awaiting me at the end, but the ‘to be continued’ nature of the end of this one means i’ll just have to pick up the next as soon as I can.
Focused mainly on d’Artagnan and not a ton on the rest of the original musketeers. I imagine the later parts pull all back together in another “the gang reconvenes” storyline but that hasn’t yet happened in the first 75 chapters.
I’ll always recommend Dumas if intrigue, gallantry, political drama, and exciting chapters are your thing. 4/5 for Part 1 of Vicomte de Bragelonne: the Vicomte of Bragelonne!
October 13, 2014
[J. Walker McSpadden translation, Charles Scribner's Sons 1926]
This is volume 1 of the third book of the D'Artagnan Romances. I now understand why the structure of this last book is published in different forms. Apparently, each of the three volumes is split into two parts. Essentially, this first volume, entitled "The Vicomte de Bragelonne", is made of two separate novels that involve the same characters -- though the Four Musketeers are never together at the same time.
I enjoyed this book much more than "Twenty Years After" (the second book of the D'Artagnan Romances). Perhaps it was because I liked the translation better, but I think it was because it was not so mired down into French politics that I have trouble following. Part 1 involves the Restoration of Charles II. It turns out that Athos and D'Artagnan were involved, and it is quite exciting.
Part 2 was not as exciting to me. It involves a lot of French politics (not as difficult as in "Twenty Years After"), like who controls the King's money and who is in the favor of the King or different ladies. Nonetheless, some rivalries and romance are set up for the continuation of the story.
I look forward to reading the next volume, "Louise de la Valliere".
This is volume 1 of the third book of the D'Artagnan Romances. I now understand why the structure of this last book is published in different forms. Apparently, each of the three volumes is split into two parts. Essentially, this first volume, entitled "The Vicomte de Bragelonne", is made of two separate novels that involve the same characters -- though the Four Musketeers are never together at the same time.
I enjoyed this book much more than "Twenty Years After" (the second book of the D'Artagnan Romances). Perhaps it was because I liked the translation better, but I think it was because it was not so mired down into French politics that I have trouble following. Part 1 involves the Restoration of Charles II. It turns out that Athos and D'Artagnan were involved, and it is quite exciting.
Part 2 was not as exciting to me. It involves a lot of French politics (not as difficult as in "Twenty Years After"), like who controls the King's money and who is in the favor of the King or different ladies. Nonetheless, some rivalries and romance are set up for the continuation of the story.
I look forward to reading the next volume, "Louise de la Valliere".
June 24, 2025
Ok, here we go. This is the right version of the book in the correct number of volumes. Same edition? Probably not.
December 27, 2016
***This review is for the entire D'Artagnan Romance series (The Three Musketeers, Twenty Years After, The Vicomte de Bragelonne, Ten Years Later, Louise de la Valliere, and The Man in the Iron Mask).***
The entire D'Artagnan Romance series is well over a million words long and spans several volumes and forty years in the lives of its main characters, the famous musketeers. The prodigious Alexandre Dumas wrote this epic tale to be published in the serial magazines that were popular during his day, submitting weekly installments which stretched over several years. This unique structure greatly informs his writing style. Because each serial installment had to captivate his readers, the action begins on the first page and continues almost without interruption-- readers weren't interested in overlong descriptions or details, and no one was critiquing on the basis of thematic developments.
In addition to his mad-cap writing style, Dumas relies heavily on character archetypes to allow his readers to quickly understand the characters and their motivations. If this sometimes led to rewriting history or over-simplifying his historical characters, it also led to a cohesive story that created both heroes and villains that live on today. The famous portraits of Cardinals Richelieu and Mazarin have shaped the way generations have perceived these complex individuals, despite the fact that their actual actions and motives were complex and nuanced. And has a more perfect villain than Milady ever been created?
Of course, Dumas' most famous and lovable characters form the famous quartet. The original Three Musketeers, Athos, Aramis, and my favorite-- Porthos, quickly adopt D'Artagnan into their intimate group and form a friendship that spans decades. These characters as well rely on simple archetypes: Athos is the honorable, wise father figure, Aramis is the crafty schemer who never reveals his hand even to his friends, D'Artagnan is the resourceful, quick-witted type, and Porthos is a bit simple and vain, but is always the muscle of the group. Throughout the entire series, these characters develop in line with their archetypes and consequently, are uncomplicated and completely lovable. ***SPOILER***
(Except for Aramis, whom I have never forgiven for causing Porthos' death.)
Each book in the series is madcap adventure with both subtle and sometimes blatant humor. Louise de la Valliere gushes courtly romance and intrigue, but for the most part, although all of the musketeers are portrayed as ladies' men, love and its trappings play a relatively insignificant role in the development of the story. Rather, the focus is on the platonic love between the four best friends, who remain devoted to one another despite their lives taking different directions over the years. The characters became my friends and will stick in my mind always and forever.
The entire D'Artagnan Romance series is well over a million words long and spans several volumes and forty years in the lives of its main characters, the famous musketeers. The prodigious Alexandre Dumas wrote this epic tale to be published in the serial magazines that were popular during his day, submitting weekly installments which stretched over several years. This unique structure greatly informs his writing style. Because each serial installment had to captivate his readers, the action begins on the first page and continues almost without interruption-- readers weren't interested in overlong descriptions or details, and no one was critiquing on the basis of thematic developments.
In addition to his mad-cap writing style, Dumas relies heavily on character archetypes to allow his readers to quickly understand the characters and their motivations. If this sometimes led to rewriting history or over-simplifying his historical characters, it also led to a cohesive story that created both heroes and villains that live on today. The famous portraits of Cardinals Richelieu and Mazarin have shaped the way generations have perceived these complex individuals, despite the fact that their actual actions and motives were complex and nuanced. And has a more perfect villain than Milady ever been created?
Of course, Dumas' most famous and lovable characters form the famous quartet. The original Three Musketeers, Athos, Aramis, and my favorite-- Porthos, quickly adopt D'Artagnan into their intimate group and form a friendship that spans decades. These characters as well rely on simple archetypes: Athos is the honorable, wise father figure, Aramis is the crafty schemer who never reveals his hand even to his friends, D'Artagnan is the resourceful, quick-witted type, and Porthos is a bit simple and vain, but is always the muscle of the group. Throughout the entire series, these characters develop in line with their archetypes and consequently, are uncomplicated and completely lovable. ***SPOILER***
(Except for Aramis, whom I have never forgiven for causing Porthos' death.)
Each book in the series is madcap adventure with both subtle and sometimes blatant humor. Louise de la Valliere gushes courtly romance and intrigue, but for the most part, although all of the musketeers are portrayed as ladies' men, love and its trappings play a relatively insignificant role in the development of the story. Rather, the focus is on the platonic love between the four best friends, who remain devoted to one another despite their lives taking different directions over the years. The characters became my friends and will stick in my mind always and forever.
January 6, 2011
The third D'Artagnan Romance is somewhat arbitrarily broken up, so my review of the first three (or is it two?) parts will probably be pretty similar. (Part 4, "The Man in the Iron Mask," is more familiar as a separate story and I have seen the movie, so I may have something more to say about that one.) In fact, it really feels more like I'm reading the equivalent of a TV show spanning several seasons, as is often the case with classic serialized novels. There are story arcs, but everything kind of blends together. References are made to future story arcs that are too detailed and direct to be called foreshadowing. (In fact, it's kind of like The Three Musketeers was a hit movie, Twenty Years After was a less successful sequel, and this is the TV show spinoff.) Also, because of a mixup with my downloads from Project Gutenberg, I'm actually halfway through "Ten Years Later" at this point. Since I didn't notice any natural break between the two stories, I'm assuming that what I say here will also apply to "Ten Years Later" and "Louise de la Valliere" (and possibly even "The Man in the Iron Mask").
Anyway, the story itself takes place about 30 years after the events in The Three Musketeers. At this point, the four main characters--D'Artagnan, Porthos, Athos, and Aramis--are more or less scattered in the background and most of the story revolves around an entirely new cast of characters (i.e., the French and English monarchy and the court of the French monarchy). I like this section more than Twenty Years After (the second D'Artagnan Romance) because it seems like a more natural progression for the characters. Twenty Years After felt like the buddies from the first story were trying to re-live their glory days but were just a bit too old and jaded to pull it off. Now, they're older and have gone their separate ways, but their stories keep intersecting in ways that have profound consequences for the main action of the story. I like that each of them, especially D'Artagnan, has gained wisdom and has learned to steer events in his own way, and it will be interesting to see where this is headed. The third D'Artagnan Romance is a long story, and I would describe the plot as a slow burn, but I have a feeling that the four main characters will have to unite again by the end of the Romance.
Anyway, the story itself takes place about 30 years after the events in The Three Musketeers. At this point, the four main characters--D'Artagnan, Porthos, Athos, and Aramis--are more or less scattered in the background and most of the story revolves around an entirely new cast of characters (i.e., the French and English monarchy and the court of the French monarchy). I like this section more than Twenty Years After (the second D'Artagnan Romance) because it seems like a more natural progression for the characters. Twenty Years After felt like the buddies from the first story were trying to re-live their glory days but were just a bit too old and jaded to pull it off. Now, they're older and have gone their separate ways, but their stories keep intersecting in ways that have profound consequences for the main action of the story. I like that each of them, especially D'Artagnan, has gained wisdom and has learned to steer events in his own way, and it will be interesting to see where this is headed. The third D'Artagnan Romance is a long story, and I would describe the plot as a slow burn, but I have a feeling that the four main characters will have to unite again by the end of the Romance.
July 24, 2011
The edition I read ended the series of D'Artagnan romances. Other versions may not include the last third of this version which includes the edition titled "The Man in The Iron Mask". This being the last in the series, I knew I would go through withdrawals when I finished. I've been reading the series, starting with "The Three Musketeers" since the beginning of this year. It's as if I've been living with D'Artagnan, Athos, Porthos and Aramis. Withdrawal was not near what I experienced when finished; it was more like depression.
I understand Alexandre Dumas wrote most of the D'Artagnan romances in serial form over a period of years. Editors have done a good job translating and combining them into full books. Depending on which editions you get, there are from 4 to 6 books in the series. And Dumas is not one to write short books. His stories are intricate and descriptive. The reader needs to be comfortable with long descriptions, conversations and action. If you love Russian novels, you will love Dumas. The time it takes to read Dumas is offset by the rich tapestries he weaves through his prose. It's a full seven-course dinner and well worth the price of admission.
The best thing about the eBook versions of these books are that they can be found for free and many are illustrated. I began reading Dumas with "The Count of Monte Cristo". That book immediately went into my top ten all time favorite list, easily moving others down the line. The D'Artagnan Romances are as good as The Count and introduce you to the four Musketeers when they are young in the early 1600's. And if you read them all, you will live through old-age with them. I can't recommend these books highly enough, especially to those readers who appreciate old-world writing.
I understand Alexandre Dumas wrote most of the D'Artagnan romances in serial form over a period of years. Editors have done a good job translating and combining them into full books. Depending on which editions you get, there are from 4 to 6 books in the series. And Dumas is not one to write short books. His stories are intricate and descriptive. The reader needs to be comfortable with long descriptions, conversations and action. If you love Russian novels, you will love Dumas. The time it takes to read Dumas is offset by the rich tapestries he weaves through his prose. It's a full seven-course dinner and well worth the price of admission.
The best thing about the eBook versions of these books are that they can be found for free and many are illustrated. I began reading Dumas with "The Count of Monte Cristo". That book immediately went into my top ten all time favorite list, easily moving others down the line. The D'Artagnan Romances are as good as The Count and introduce you to the four Musketeers when they are young in the early 1600's. And if you read them all, you will live through old-age with them. I can't recommend these books highly enough, especially to those readers who appreciate old-world writing.
April 20, 2021
If you loved the other d’Artagnan Romances then there’s nothing to stop you loving this one. It is long, yes, but it’s worth it.
The characters are fantastic and they’re what really made me love this story. D’Artagnan is fantastic as always and I think better for being more mature. Athos is noble and fatherly, Aramis is scheming and Porthos is being Porthos. Raoul’s friendships (Raoul is Athos’s son who we met in Twenty Years After) with the Comte de Guiche and the Duke of Buckingham were lovely and, frankly, Guiche and Raoul were a much better pair than any of the romances in the book.
The plot is a little cliche but there is some great writing in there and the translation seemed really good. The different plot threads made for a varied story and I would love to see a faithful adaptation of the books in a TV or film series. Some plot threads didn’t seem quite tied up by the end but, on the whole, the ending was satisfying.
I think it’s a shame people don’t read this far into the series because they are really good, and, for classics, pretty damn exciting.
Just some of my favourite quotes :)
“I am the son of the Comte de la Fere, my lord, and I never threaten, because I strike first.” - Raoul
“...for such a friend, De Wardes, believe me, I am like fire itself.” - Guiche
‘A flash of lightning without thunder awakens nobody.’
‘A man may be ambitious of lying in a lion’s den, but can hardly hope to sleep there quietly.’
‘“In my family,” added Buckingham, “you are aware, M. de Bragelonne, we die to save our friends.” “I know it well, duke,” replied Raoul.’ - Buckingham and Raoul
“If I be not master of myself, I at least will be so oft those who insult me.” - Louis
The characters are fantastic and they’re what really made me love this story. D’Artagnan is fantastic as always and I think better for being more mature. Athos is noble and fatherly, Aramis is scheming and Porthos is being Porthos. Raoul’s friendships (Raoul is Athos’s son who we met in Twenty Years After) with the Comte de Guiche and the Duke of Buckingham were lovely and, frankly, Guiche and Raoul were a much better pair than any of the romances in the book.
The plot is a little cliche but there is some great writing in there and the translation seemed really good. The different plot threads made for a varied story and I would love to see a faithful adaptation of the books in a TV or film series. Some plot threads didn’t seem quite tied up by the end but, on the whole, the ending was satisfying.
I think it’s a shame people don’t read this far into the series because they are really good, and, for classics, pretty damn exciting.
Just some of my favourite quotes :)
“I am the son of the Comte de la Fere, my lord, and I never threaten, because I strike first.” - Raoul
“...for such a friend, De Wardes, believe me, I am like fire itself.” - Guiche
‘A flash of lightning without thunder awakens nobody.’
‘A man may be ambitious of lying in a lion’s den, but can hardly hope to sleep there quietly.’
‘“In my family,” added Buckingham, “you are aware, M. de Bragelonne, we die to save our friends.” “I know it well, duke,” replied Raoul.’ - Buckingham and Raoul
“If I be not master of myself, I at least will be so oft those who insult me.” - Louis
June 29, 2015
Given that this is only 1 part of a 4 part book it never-the-less still ends very abruptly. I would have liked at least a little resolution! Also this edition of the d'Artagnan Romances is quite slow with no fighting of any sort and just long chapters of discussion or description. Charles II of England is restored to his throne, but that is the one "exciting" part of the book. The rest of the book seems just set-up for things that will come later. Also the name of this section really makes no sense. Raul is a character in the book and he has attained his majority, but plays a very minor part and it is odd that the entire book is named after him.
December 31, 2021
Two decades have passed since the famous swordsmen triumphed over Cardinal Richelieu and Milady in The Three Musketeers. Time has weakened their resolve and dispersed their loyalties. But treasons and stratagems still cry out for justice: civil war endangers the throne of France, while in England, Cromwell threatens to send Charles I to the scaffold. Dumas brings his immortal quartet out of retirement to cross swords with time, the malevolence of men, and the forces of history. But their greatest test is the titanic struggle with the son of Milady who wears the face of evil.
May 19, 2020
One of the most interesting book in the series, not only for the historical setting, that get my reading heart every time, but also the adventures and turnarounds and casual lucky encounter of the characters.
The level of sarcasm on Dumas writing makes me laugh so much out loud that it's a mystery why the neighbors didn't called an ambulance for me. It took me twelve days to listening to the 23 hours, and if that's not a good recommendation, I don't know what is!
The level of sarcasm on Dumas writing makes me laugh so much out loud that it's a mystery why the neighbors didn't called an ambulance for me. It took me twelve days to listening to the 23 hours, and if that's not a good recommendation, I don't know what is!
March 23, 2021
Este al treilea și ultimul roman despre aventurile lui D’Artagnan și ale mușchetarilor. Acest roman are 6 parti. In afara de cei 4 muschetari, il mai avem ca personaj principal pe Vicontele de Bragelonne, Raoul(cum ne putem da seama din titlu). Ca personaje secundare ii avem pe : regele Ludovic al XIV-lea, La Valliere(logodnica Vicontelui de Bragelonne), domnul Fouquet(ministrul de finante), Colbert si multe alte personaje.
Abia acum afla deznodamantul vietii celor patru prieteni.
Abia acum afla deznodamantul vietii celor patru prieteni.
July 11, 2013
One cannot but fall in love with the d'Artagnan Romances. The characters a believable in their disappointments and successes, the language is amusing and lively... What else can you wish for?
My full review of this first part of Ten Years Later can be found here:
http://susimetsa.blogspot.fi/2013/07/...
My full review of this first part of Ten Years Later can be found here:
http://susimetsa.blogspot.fi/2013/07/...
September 25, 2013
I think I liked it, although there were some quite long periods that I'm not sure why is in the story. They don't really seem to have any point to the story itself, and only makes it a "hevier" and longer read than necessary.
Howerver, I am determined to read all the books! but I will be more selective in what i skim through, and what I read thoroughly.
Howerver, I am determined to read all the books! but I will be more selective in what i skim through, and what I read thoroughly.
March 27, 2015
Excellent, entertaining read. Love Project Gutenberg's translations & the way they break up this series (as there are several different ways it has been split, often causing confusion) The translation for this segment was done by John Bursey & he did a very thorough & detailed job, including all the text (much better than other translations)
January 3, 2020
The book starts out slow enough to make you wonder if worth reading. Then the historical novel packs on layer after layer of historical action, ardor and flowered prose.
Well worth the effort and some of Dumas' best accomplishment.
Well worth the effort and some of Dumas' best accomplishment.
March 26, 2020
The sequels to The Three Musketeers are increasingly serialized and suffer from abrupt endings and the lack of resolution to story threads. Nevertheless, the characters drive these books and while the sequels are inferior to the first book they are still worthwhile reading.
June 4, 2007
It kind of drives me crazy how Dumas spends 3 or 4 chapters building up a new character, just to never mention him again. But overall, a good read.
February 11, 2010
Can not get over the fact that the D'artagnan Romances are so good, Each better than the last.
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