Showing results by author "Alexandre Dumas" in All Categories

Paris, 1793. Lieutenant Maurice Lindey is an ardent young republican who hates tyranny and injustice whether they come from the left or right. But such even-handedness is a liability at a time when addressing someone as "monsieur" instead of "citizen" can bring one to the guillotine. Maurice makes daily visits to his love, Genevieve Dixmer, who lives in a quarter known as the hiding place of the Chevalier of Maison Rouge, a daring counterrevolutionary with notorious plans to free Marie Antoinette, who languishes in prison awaiting trial and inevitable execution.

After thirty-five years, the Three Musketeers - Athos, Aramis, and Porthos - join forces again. This time, it’s to rid France of corrupt King Louis XIV. True to their ingenuity, they plan to replace him with the mysterious prisoner in the barbaric iron mask now languishing in the Bastille. But their old comrade D’Artagnan, still in loyal service to the court, stands in their way. As the daring coup unfolds, literature’s legendary brotherhood is put to the test.

Hosted by Laurence Olivier, these big-name productions also included the creme de la creme of acting talents from John Gielgud, Ralph Richardson and Orson Welles to Trevor Howard, Michael Redgrave and Olivier himself. They were based on works by the world's leading authors, among them Charles Dickens, Henry James, Oscar Wilde and Anton Chekhov. These are but a few of whose company we shall be keeping as we raise the curtain on our first instalment of theatrical history.

Dumas' novel became one of the great love stories from its first publication in 1848. The title role of the consumptive heroine and her ultimate sacrifice inspired actresses from Sarah Bernhardt to Greta Garbo and led Giuseppe Verdi to write La traviata. In the hands of Nicholas Boulton, the story of passion and conflict is as fresh and moving as when it was first written.

The original swashbuckling novel! Heroic, chivalrous swordsmen fight for justice!

Dumas’ famous musketeers return in another exciting swashbuckler. And this time, Aramis is embarking on the most perilous mission of all: to depose King Louis XIV and put his twin brother, Philip, on the throne instead. Since childhood, Philip has been hidden away so no one would know of his existence - but Aramis believes that he would be the superior ruler. Is Aramis right...or is he making a deadly mistake?

The Three Musketeers, written in 1844, is one of the greatest novels written by French author Alexandre Dumas. Set in 17th century France, The Three Musketeers chronicles the adventures of d’Artagnan, a young man who leaves home and travels to Paris in his pursuit of joining the king’s elite Musketeers of the Guard.

It wasn't all musketeers, mysterious ladies, poisoned gloves, and palace intrigue.... Sometimes, Alexandre Dumas stepped back from historic misadventures and wrote fairy tales - and a very good job he did of it, too.

Louis XIII et Richelieu : c'est tout le cadre historique des Trois Mousquetaires qui nous est raconté dans cette biographie, écrite avec toute la fougue et toute la gaieté de Dumas. Biographie qui commence par une fessée, celle que Henri IV fait donner à son fils, et Alexandre Dumas n'en est pas mécontent ; et d'une certaine façon ce sont les fessées politiques que Richelieu donnera à Louis XIII durant tout son ministère que Dumas nous raconte.

Celebrated Crimes is a unique series of historical narratives by a young, rising Alexandre Dumas, before he became renowned as the author of DArtagnan or Monte Cristo. The third volume focuses on the tumultuous life and tragic end of Mary Queen of Scots. Dumas meticulously delves into the controversial aspects of her reign, yet maintains a sympathetic perspective towards her. Remembered for her strong ties to France through education and marriage, Marys fate has been a subject of unending debate, especially in light of the role Elizabeth played in her downfall.

Dive into the dark history of the notorious Borgias and the tragic Cenci in Dumass Celebrated Crimes. This detailed account, not intended for the faint of heart, vividly portrays the violent scenes of a turbulent era. Despite some distortions and controversial allegations, the mature, discerning reader will appreciate the depth of research involved. The Borgias, an infamous Florentine family infamous for their violent intrigue, have nonetheless found defenders throughout history. Contrastingly, the Cencis tale is one of unspeakable tragedy, with the beautiful Beatrice Cenci forever ...

Dumass Celebrated Crimes isnt a series designed for the faint-hearted. The novelist pulls no punches in his graphic depiction of a tumultuous era, sometimes distorting facts and levelling unfounded accusations. Its a riveting read intended for discerning, seasoned readers who can appreciate and account for the authors dramatic liberties. As per the publishers note.

Embark on a historical journey with the final installment of the Valois Romances, Forty-Five Guardsmen. This gripping narrative picks up six years after the infamous Duel of the Mignons, a clash between the courts of King Henry III and Duke Henry of Guise. The plot delves into the formation of the Forty-Five Guardsmen, future Musketeers, while faithfully tracing the adventures of Chicot the Jester, who remains loyal to the crumbling regency of King Henry III. The tale also continues the story of Diana, a central character from the previous book. Immerse yourself in this masterful conclusion to...

Dive into the fourth volume of Alexandre Dumas intriguing exploration of notorious crimes and their culprits. This episode unearths the captivating story of Karl Ludwig Sand, the man who murdered the renowned dramatist August von Kotzebue in 1819. Immerse yourself in a time of political turbulence as we delve into the motivations behind this shocking crime, fueled by von Kotzebues controversial royalist and conservative writings. This tale of political assassination by a radical liberal Burschenschaft member is a must-listen. - Summary by Carolin

Journey through the tumultuous reign of King Henry III in this riveting sequel to Alexandre Dumas Marguerite de Valois. Set four years after the sudden demise of King Charles IX, the story unfolds amidst the chaos of the War of the Three Henries, a power struggle involving King Henry of Navarre, the Huguenots leader and Henry I, Duke of Guise, the Catholic Leagues head. Dumas intricately intertwines two captivating narratives - a blossoming romance between le Comte de Bussy and la Dame de Monsoreau, and the unique friendship that develops between King Henry III and his one-of-a-kind jester, ...

Set against the backdrop of the eccentric reign of Emperor Paul I of Russia, Vaninka stands as the most fictionalized tale in Dumas Celebrated Crimes series. This gripping narrative follows the story of a generals daughter, Vaninka, whose passionate love for her fathers officer spirals into a vortex of tragic death, brutal crimes, and gross miscarriages of justice.

Embark on a thrilling journey into the dark heart of historical Nisida in this riveting podcast. Dive into the chilling tale of a simple fisherman, Gabriel, who finds himself locked in a lethal confrontation with the formidable Prince of Brancaleone. This narrative explores the shocking crimes, including attempted rape, assault, and filicide, that shook the island community. As noted by Dumas, the harrowing details of this case can be found in the archives of the Criminal Court in Naples. Follow this intriguing narrative, meticulously researched and masterfully delivered.

Dive into the fascinating tale of Urbain Grandier, a Catholic priest whose notorious reputation led him down a path of destruction. Accused of witchcraft by nuns from a neighboring convent, they claimed Grandier unleashed several demons upon them. Well-documented and still preserved, the alleged pact, penned in reverse Latin and signed by the implicated demons, continues to intrigue scholars. This saga has sparked numerous interpretations in the fields of sociology, psychology, and legal sciences. Explore Alexandre Dumas captivating retelling of these events, as we unravel the enigma that is ...

Embark on a journey into the life of Ali Tepeleni, the notorious Pacha of Janina, who ruled with an iron fist in one of the Ottoman Empires most chaotic territories, Albania, during the early 1800s. Known as the Lion of Janina, Ali Pachas reign was as brutal as it was relentless, drawing parallels with the savage nature of a lion. In this captivating essay, Dumas uncovers the vast array of heinous crimes committed under Ali Pacha, a ruler whose ambition knew no bounds, fueled by his mothers ruthless advice stating that success justified everything, and everything is permissible to him who has ...

Delve into the enigmatic tale of the Man in the Iron Mask, a nameless prisoner doubly-confined in the late 1600s - his body ensnared within an iron cage, and his face perpetually hidden behind an iron mask. His identity, the reasons for his incarceration, and the conditions of his imprisonment have sparked intrigue and speculation for hundreds of years. Prolific writer, Alexandre Dumas, once declared that every aspect of this masked mans life ignites intense curiosity. This comprehensive exploration offers an engaging summary of theories surrounding the masked prisoners identity and history, ...