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1Count of Monte Cristo

By Alexandre Dumas

<i>The Count of Monte Cristo</i> (French: <i>Le Comte de Monte-Cristo</i>) is an adventure novel by Alexandre Dumas, père. It is often considered, along with <i>The Three Musketeers</i>, as Dumas's most popular work. The writing of the work was completed in 1844. Like many of his novels, it is expanded from the plot outlines suggested by his collaborating ghostwriter Auguste Maquet.<br /><br />The story takes place in France, Italy, islands in the Mediterranean and the Levant during the historical events of 1815–1838 (from just before the Hundred Days through the reign of Louis-Philippe of France). The historical setting is a fundamental element of the book. It is primarily concerned with themes of justice, vengeance, mercy, and forgiveness, and is told in the style of an adventure story. (Summary from Wikipedia)<br /><br /> This book contains alternate versions of a number of chapters – indicated by an alt after the file number. The Zip files contain both versions of these chapters.<br /><br />There are 2 versions of the M4Bs made , one containing the original files for these chapters (4 parts), the other containing the alternate files for the chapters (5 parts).

2Twenty Years After

By Alexandre Dumas

Let's continue the D'Artagnan Romances that we've already started with The Three Musketeers.

3Three Musketeers

By Alexandre Dumas

The Three Musketeers (Les Trois Mousquetaires) is a novel by Alexandre Dumas, père. It recounts the adventures of a young man named d'Artagnan after he leaves home to become a musketeer. D'Artagnan is not one of the musketeers of the title; those are his friends Athos, Porthos, and Aramis -- inseparable friends who live by the motto, "One for all, and all for one".<br><br> The Three Musketeers was first published in serial form in the magazine Le Siècle between March and July 1844. Dumas claimed it was based on manuscripts he had discovered in the Bibliothèque Nationale. It was later proven that Dumas had based his work on the book Mémoires de Monsieur D'Artagnan, capitaine lieutenant de la première compagnie des Mousquetaires du Roi (Memoirs of Mister D'Artagnan, Lieutenant Captain of the first company of the King's Musketeers) by Gatien de Courtilz de Sandras (Cologne, 1700). <br><br> Dumas' version of the story covers the adventures of D'Artagnan and his friends from 1625 to 1628, as they are involved in intrigues involving the weak King Louis XIII of France, his powerful and cunning advisor Cardinal Richelieu, the beautiful Queen Anne of Austria, her English lover, George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham, and the Siege of La Rochelle. Adding to the intrigue are the mysterious Milady de Winter, and Richelieu's right-hand man, the Comte de Rochefort. (summary from wikipedia)<br /><br /> Get <a href="http://librivox.org/twenty-years-after-by-alexandre-dumas/"> Twenty Years After</a> here.<br /> Get <a href="http://librivox.org/the-man-in-the-iron-mask-by-alexandre-dumas/"> The Man in the Iron Mask</a> here.

Edmond Dantès, a young seaman with a promising future, is arrested at his wedding ceremony under calomnious charges, and locked up in the Chateau d'If for 14 years. During this time, he secretly meets another detainee, l'Abbé Faria, an erudite believed to be insane, who becomes his friend and teacher, and who, upon his death, gives Edmond the secret to a hidden treasure.<br /><br />Dantès then manages to escape, almost drowning in the process, and is believed by all to be dead. With the knowledge and the treasure transmitted by l'abbé Faria, and his own wish for revenge, Edmond Dantès plots the downfall of his enemies under the identity of the Count of Monte-Cristo.<br /><br />Summary by Jc Guan.

Le roman raconte les aventures d'un gascon désargenté de 18 ans, d'Artagnan, monté à Paris faire carrière. Il se lie d'amitié avec Athos, Porthos et Aramis, mousquetaires du roi Louis XIII. Ces quatre hommes vont s'opposer au premier ministre, le Cardinal de Richelieu et à ses agents, dont la belle et mystérieuse Milady de Winter, pour sauver l'honneur de la reine de France Anne d'Autriche. Avec ses nombreux combats et ses rebondissements romanesques, Les Trois mousquetaires est l'exemple type du roman de cape et d'épée. (Summary from Wikipedia)

6Man in the Iron Mask

By Alexandre Dumas

In this, the last of the Three Musketeers novels, Dumas builds on the true story of a mysterious prisoner held incognito in the French penal system, forced to wear a mask when seen by any but his jailer or his valet. If you have skipped the novels between The Three Musketeers and this, a few notes will bring you into the story:<br></br>On one side – Aramis, now a bishop and secretly the Captain-General of the Jesuit Order, who believes he has found a path to a higher honor – the papacy. Monsieur Fouquet, the vastly rich minister of finance, Aramis’ ally. Philippe, the identical twin of King Louis XIV, who grew up in ignorance of his pedigree, and whose surrogate parents were murdered on the king’s order and himself sent into the notorious Paris prison, the Bastille, there held in solitary confinement.<br></br>On the other side – King Louis XIV, selected as the twin who would be king by his mother, and who intends that his brother will never challenge him. Monsieur Colbert, first minister, who is jealous of Fouquet and plots his downfall.<br></br>Unaligned and in danger of collateral damage – d’Artagnan, now captain of the King’s Musketeers and so the king’s chief defender, who suspects plots running beneath the surface and who is trying to unearth them. Athos, now the Comte (Count) de la Fer and one of the most respected noblemen of France. Raoul, Athos’ son and vicomte (viscount), desperately in love with Mademoiselle de la Valliere, who the king has taken as his mistress. Porthos, grown extremely stout and happy as the Baron du Vallon.<br></br>Aramis discovers the hidden Philippe and hatches a plot to substitute him for the sitting king, putting Louis in Philippe’s cell in the Bastille. This even succeeds… for a short while. But Aramis has not reckoned with a man whose loyalty to the throne exceeds his own welfare and who disastrously reverses the plot. Now it is time for the plotters to scurry to cover, there to figure some way to recover their lost ambitions. (Summary written by Mark Smith.)

Dumas's 'Celebrated Crimes' was not written for children. The novelist has spared no language--has minced no words--to describe the violent scenes of a violent time.<br><br>In some instances facts appear distorted out of their true perspective, and in others the author makes unwarranted charges. The careful, mature reader, for whom the books are intended, will recognize, and allow for, this fact. (from publisher's note)<br><br>The first volume comprises the annals of the Borgias and the Cenci. The name of the noted and notorious Florentine family has become a synonym for intrigue and violence, and yet the Borgias have not been without stanch defenders in history.<br><br>Another famous Italian story is that of the Cenci. The beautiful Beatrice Cenci--celebrated in the painting of Guido, the sixteenth century romance of Guerrazi, and the poetic tragedy of Shelley, not to mention numerous succeeding works inspired by her hapless fate—will always remain a shadowy figure and one of infinite pathos. (from Introduction)

8Vicomte De Bragelonne

By Alexandre Dumas

After <i>The Three Muskateers</i> and <i>Twenty Years After</i> the adventurous story of Athos, Porthos, Aramis and D'Artagnan continues!<br><br><i>The Vicomte of Bragelonne: Ten Years Later</i> (French: <i>Le Vicomte de Bragelonne ou Dix ans plus tard</i>) is the last of the Musketeer novels. It is usually divided into four volumes and this first volume contains chapters 1-75. (Summary by Diana Majlinger)

De avonturen van een jonge man d'Artagnan, die nadat hij huis en haard verlaten heeft zich aansluit bij de garde van de koning: de Musketiers. Hij raakt bevriend met het driemanschap Athos, Porthos en Aramis, onafscheidelijke vrienden die leven onder het motto: 'Eén voor allen, allen voor één'.

10Black Tulip

By Alexandre Dumas

The Black Tulip, written by Alexandre Dumas père and published in 1850, is a historical novel placed in the time of Tulipmania in the Netherlands. The novel begins with the 1672 politically motivated mob lynching of the de Witt brothers and then follows the story of Cornelius van Baerle, godson of Cornelius de Wit. Cornelius Van Baerle has joined the race to breed a truly black tulip – and to win the prize of 100,000 guilders, as well as fame and honour. As he nears his goal he is jailed and then of course rescued – by the beautiful Rosa, daughter of the jailer.

11Ten Years Later

By Alexandre Dumas

After <i>The Three Muskateers</i> and <i>Twenty Years After</i> the adventurous story of Athos, Porthos, Aramis and D'Artagnan continues!<br><br><i>The Vicomte of Bragelonne: Ten Years Later</i> (French: <i>Le Vicomte de Bragelonne ou Dix ans plus tard</i>) is the last of the Musketeer novels. It is usually divided into four volumes and this second volume contains chapters 76-140. (Summary by Diana Majlinger)

12Count of Monte Cristo (version 2)

By Alexandre Dumas

The story takes place in France, Italy, islands in the Mediterranean and the Levant during the historical events of 1815–1838 (from just before the Hundred Days through the reign of Louis-Philippe of France). The historical setting is a fundamental element of the book. It is primarily concerned with themes of justice, vengeance, mercy, and forgiveness, and is told in the style of an adventure story. (Summary by Wikipedia)

13Count of Monte Cristo (version 3)

By Alexandre Dumas

Le Comte de Monte-Cristo is an adventure novel and one of the author's most popular works. He completed the work in 1844. The story takes place in France, Italy, islands in the Mediterranean and in the Levant during the historical events of 1815-1838 (from just before the Hundred Days to the reign of Louis-Philippe of France). It deals with themes of hope, justice, vengeance, mercy and forgiveness. The book is considered a literary classic today. (Summary by David Clarke, ref. Wikipedia)

Un soir de 24 décembre, Marie et Fritz découvrent, au pied de l'arbre de Noël, un charmant petit bonhomme difforme casseur de noisette.<br/> Forcé par de jeunes auditeurs à raconter un conte, Monsieur Dumas nous rapporte ici l'histoire de ce héros improbable, empruntée à Hoffmann.<br /><br /> On December's Eve, Marie and Fritz find a charming, though deformed, nut-cracker by the Christmas tree. <br/> Forced by a young audience to share a tale, Alexandre Dumas tells the one of this unlikely hero, taking his inspiration from Hoffman. <br/> Summary by Ezwa

15Louise de la Valliere

By Alexandre Dumas

After <i>The Three Muskateers</i> and <i>Twenty Years After</i> the adventurous story of Athos, Porthos, Aramis and D'Artagnan continues!<br><br> <i>The Vicomte of Bragelonne: Ten Years Later</i> (French: <i>Le Vicomte de Bragelonne ou Dix ans plus tard</i>) is the last of the Musketeer novels. It is usually divided into four volumes and this third volume contains chapters 141-208. <br><br>(Summary by Diana Majlinger)

Si ce titre évoque pour vous un roman de cape et d'épée, détrompez-vous. Mais ne vous détournez pas ! Ce cher Alexandre Dumas saura vous attacher à l'histoire de la tulipe noire et de tous ceux qui s'y intérressent. <br/>Résumé par Ezwa<br /><br /> If you're expecting a swashbuckler, stand corrected. But don't turn back! <br/>Our dear Alexandre Dumas will make you fond of the black tulip and all those around it. <br/>Summary by Ezwa

17Corsican Brothers

By Alexandre Dumas

Alexandre Dumas weaves the compelling story of Siamese twins who are separated physically but never in spirit. When one of the brothers is murdered, the other leaves Corsica for Paris to avenge the killing. Dumas brings this thrilling tale to life with his fascinating descriptions of Italy and France and his powerful portrayal of the undying love of brother for brother. - Summary by Wikipedia

18Celebrated Crimes, Vol. 2: The Massacres of the South

By Alexandre Dumas

<br>Dumas's 'Celebrated Crimes' was not written for children. The novelist has spared no language--has minced no words--to describe the violent scenes of a violent time.<br><br>In some instances facts appear distorted out of their true perspective, and in others the author makes unwarranted charges. The careful, mature reader, for whom the books are intended, will recognize, and allow for, this fact. Summary from publishers note.

<p>Part local legend of a dark and dangerous Wolf-Leader, part childhood memories of his home near Villers-Cotterets, in Aisne, Dumas here penned a chilling supernatural encounter between man and the devil. Our hero, Thibault the shoemaker, is beaten on the orders of the Lord of Vez for hunting in the lord's forest. With Thibault's resentment at his treatment by the world at its height, the devil sees his chance and, in the guise of a wolf, proposes a deal which Thibault accepts; the ever available trade of one's soul for evil power. With a pack of demon possessed wolves at his command, Thibault begins to explore his new power tentatively, hesitant to do evil, but unable to help himself, the momentum of the tale grown in surprising and horrifying ways until the unexpected climax. (Summary by TimoleonWash)

20Marguerite de Valois

By Alexandre Dumas

A historical fiction novel set in Paris (1572) during Charles IX's reign and the French Wars of Religion. Marguerite de Valois, daughter of deceased Henry II, is the novel's protagonist set against the infamous schemes of the Catholic power player, Catherine de Medici. - Summary by Publisher

21Count of Monte Cristo (version 4 Dramatic Reading)

By Alexandre Dumas

The Count of Monte Cristo is one of the authors most popular works. It's an adventure novel that takes place between 1815-1838 in France, Italy, islands in the Mediterranean and in the Levant. It follows the main character through love, betrayal, vengence and forgiveness. Summary by Kristingj

22Chicot the Jester

By Alexandre Dumas

This sequel to Dumas' “Marguerite de Valois” begins four years after the sudden death of King Charles IX and succession of his brother Henry III. The reign of King Henry III was plagued with rebellion and political intrigue due to the War of the Three Henries, where his regency was challenged by King Henry of Navarre (leader of the Huguenots) and Henry I, Duke of Guise (leader of the Catholic League). Dumas weaves two main storylines through this turbulent backdrop: one of the love ignited between le Comte de Bussy and la Dame de Monsoreau, and another of the friendship between King Henry III and his truly unique jester, Chicot (Jean-Antoine d'Anglerais). - Summary by jvanstan

23Celebrated Crimes, Vol. 3: Mary Stuart

By Alexandre Dumas

The contents of these volumes of 'Celebrated Crimes', as well as the motives which led to their inception, are unique. They are a series of stories based upon historical records, from the pen of Alexandre Dumas, pere, when he was not "the elder," nor yet the author of D'Artagnan or Monte Cristo, but was a rising young dramatist and a lion in the literary set and world of fashion.<br></br>The third volume is devoted to the story of Mary Queen of Scots, another woman who suffered a violent death, and around whose name an endless controversy has waged. Dumas goes carefully into the dubious episodes of her stormy career, but does not allow these to blind his sympathy for her fate. Mary, it should be remembered, was closely allied to France by education and marriage, and the French never forgave Elizabeth the part she played in the tragedy. - From the Introduction

24Forty-Five Guardsmen

By Alexandre Dumas

The sequel to "Chicot the Jester" and final book of the "Valois Romances." This story begins six years after the famed "Duel of the Mignons" between the favorites of the courts of King Henry III and Henry the Duke of Guise (somewhat allied with the King's brother, Francis, Duke of Anjou and Alencon). Dumas concludes his historical fiction on the War of the Three Henries while (1) detailing the formation of the Forty-Five Guardsmen (who were to become the Musketeers), (2) following Chicot the Jester as he stays loyal to the failing regency of King Henry III, and (3) continuing the story of Diana (a principal character in the previous book). - Summary by jvanstan

25Celebrated Crimes, Vol. 4: Karl-Ludwig Sand

By Alexandre Dumas

This is the fourth volume of Alexandre Dumas' studies of celebrated crimes and their perpetrators. This volume is concerned with the story of Karl Ludwig Sand, who stabbed August von Kotzebue to death in 1819. August von Kotzebue had been a prominent dramatist, a student of Musäus, whose royalist and conservative writings ultimately led to his assassination by a member of a revolutionary liberal Burschenschaft. - Summary by Carolin

26Celebrated Crimes, Vol. 4: Part 2: Urbain Grandier

By Alexandre Dumas

This is the dramatic story of Urbain Grandier, a catholic priest, who had a reputation to rival that of Casanova, which ultimately led to his destruction. He was accused of witchcraft after a series of accusations from nuns of a nearby convent, who claimed that Grandier has sent several demons upon them. <br>The case is very well documented, and the original documents of the alleged pact, written in backwards Latin and signed by all participating demons, are still preserved. The case continues to inspire art and sciences, leading to assessments of the events in light of modern sociology, psychology, and legal sciences. Alexandre Dumas' version of the events is presented here. - Summary by Carolin

27Celebrated Crimes, Vol. 1: The Borgias and the Cenci (version 2)

By Alexandre Dumas

Dumas's 'Celebrated Crimes' was not written for children. The novelist has spared no language--has minced no words--to describe the violent scenes of a violent time. In some instances facts appear distorted out of their true perspective, and in others the author makes unwarranted charges. The careful, mature reader, for whom the books are intended, will recognize, and allow for, this fact. (from publisher's note) The first volume comprises the annals of the Borgias and the Cenci. The name of the noted and notorious Florentine family has become a synonym for intrigue and violence, and yet the Borgias have not been without stanch defenders in history. Another famous Italian story is that of the Cenci. The beautiful Beatrice Cenci--celebrated in the painting of Guido, the sixteenth century romance of Guerrazi, and the poetic tragedy of Shelley, not to mention numerous succeeding works inspired by her hapless fate—will always remain a shadowy figure and one of infinite pathos. ( From introduction)

Subtitled "The Throne, The Tomb, and The Scaffold - An Historical Play in 3 Acts From the Celebrated Play of that Name by Alexandre Dumas" - How can you resist a play about English history - the doomed fifth wife of Henry the 8th - by the celebrated French author of The Musketeers?? - Summary by ToddHW <BR><BR>Cast list:<BR> Henry VIII, King of England: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8425">Larry Wilson</a><br> Athelwold, Duke of Northumberland: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8770">Paul Simonin</a><br> Archbishop Cranmer: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7170">alanmapstone</a><br> Duke of Sussex: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8677">KHand</a><br> Duke of Norfolk: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8169">tovarisch</a><br> Grand Chamberlain: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/10789">Tomas Peter</a><br> Lieutenant of the Tower: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/10087">Sandra Schmit</a><br> Fleming, an Alchemist: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/4174">Availle</a><br> Page: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8883">Lydia</a><br> Martin Krinkly, a Cordwainer: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/10789">Tomas Peter</a><br> Simon Kreetnur, a Weaver: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/11183">VivianWeaver</a><br> Captain of Guard: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/11290">Bjorn V</a><br> Executioner: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/1649">Kalynda</a><br> Princess Margaret, Sister to the King: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/10614">Leanne Yau</a><br> Catherine Howard, his Fifth Wife: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6281">Beth Thomas</a><br> Dame Kennedy, her Nurse: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8883">Lydia</a><br> Winifred Krinkly, Wife to Martin: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/10179">Sonia</a><br> Stage Directions: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6754">ToddHW</a><br> Edited By: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6754"> ToddHW</a>

29Celebrated Crimes, Vol. 3: Mary Stuart (version 2)

By Alexandre Dumas

The contents of these volumes of 'Celebrated Crimes', as well as the motives which led to their inception, are unique. They are a series of stories based upon historical records, from the pen of Alexandre Dumas, pere, when he was not "the elder," nor yet the author of D'Artagnan or Monte Cristo, but was a rising young dramatist and a lion in the literary set and world of fashion. The third volume is devoted to the story of Mary Queen of Scots, another woman who suffered a violent death, and around whose name an endless controversy has waged. Dumas goes carefully into the dubious episodes of her stormy career, but does not allow these to blind his sympathy for her fate. Mary, it should be remembered, was closely allied to France by education and marriage, and the French never forgave Elizabeth the part she played in the tragedy. ( From the introduction)

30Celebrated Crimes, Vol. 4: Karl-Ludwig Sand (version 2)

By Alexandre Dumas

This is the fourth volume of Alexandre Dumas' studies of celebrated crimes and their perpetrators. This volume is concerned with the story of Karl Ludwig Sand, who stabbed August von Kotzebue to death in 1819. August von Kotzebue had been a prominent dramatist, a student of Musäus, whose royalist and conservative writings ultimately led to his assassination by a member of a revolutionary liberal Burschenschaft. - Summary by Carolin

Alexandre Dumas también se ocupó de la narración infantil con esta versión del clásico cuento de Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffman, titulado El Cascanueces y el rey ratón, de 1816. Dumas realizó una adaptación especialmente dirigida a los niños y la publicó en 1844 con el título de Historia de un Cascanueces, que fomentó la imaginación de muchas generaciones de niños y niñas. Fue la versión de Alexandre Dumas la que sirvió a Marius Petipa para concebir en 1892 el ballet El Cascanueces, cuya música fue compuesta por Tchaikovsky. - Summary by Phileas Fogg

32Celebrated Crimes, Vol. 4: Part 2: Urbain Grandier (version 2)

By Alexandre Dumas

This is the dramatic story of Urbain Grandier, a catholic priest, who had a reputation to rival that of Casanova, which ultimately led to his destruction. He was accused of witchcraft after a series of accusations from nuns of a nearby convent, who claimed that Grandier has sent several demons upon them. The case is very well documented, and the original documents of the alleged pact, written in backwards Latin and signed by all participating demons, are still preserved. The case continues to inspire art and sciences, leading to assessments of the events in light of modern sociology, psychology, and legal sciences. Alexandre Dumas' version of the events is presented here. - Summary by Carolin

Dumas's play talks of American Naval Hero John Paul Jones's romantic entanglements and affairs of honor ashore in France. He later converted it to a novel. - Summary by ToddHW <BR><BR>Cast list:<BR> The Marquis D'Auray: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/4744">Amy Gramour</a><br> The Marchioness, his wife: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/10179">Sonia</a><br> Count Emanuel, their child: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/10789">Tomas Peter</a><br> Margaret, their child: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/10614">Leanne Yau</a><br> Baron De Lectoure: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/11535">Nemo</a><br> Paul Jones: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6754">ToddHW</a><br> Louis Achard: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6249">Thomas A. Copeland</a><br> Mr. De La Jarry: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/2156">Roger Melin</a><br> Mr. De Nozay: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/11706">RecordingPerson</a><br> Notary: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/9929">Zames Curran</a><br> Laffeuille, valet to the Marchioness: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8879">Son of the Exiles</a><br> Jasmin, valet to Emanuel: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/11417">Eva Davis</a><br> Stage Directions: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/10087">Sandra Schmit</a><br> Edited by: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6754">ToddHW</a>

34Celebrated Crimes, Vol. 4: Part 3: Nisida

By Alexandre Dumas

This story details the many crimes (attempted rape, assault, filicide, etc.) surrounding a significant historical confrontation between a fisherman from the island of Nisida, named Gabriel, and the Italian Prince of Brancaleone. Dumas notes that "the details of this case are recorded in the archives of the Criminal Court at Naples." - Summary by jvanstan

35Celebrated Crimes, Vol. 5: Part 1: Desrues

By Alexandre Dumas

This story chronicles the crimes of Antoine-Francois Desrues (also called "Derues") from his childhood to his execution. Desrues constructed the veneer of a virtuous reputation that hid his ever-increasing deviancy from society. Eventually, his lust for fame and fortune (especially the latter) crumbled his virtuous veneer, revealing the startling extent of his crimes, and condemning him to justice by the executioner's hand. - Summary by jvanstan

36Celebrated Crimes, Vol. 4: Part 3: Nisida (version 2)

By Alexandre Dumas

Dumas, with the assistance of several friends, compiled Celebrated Crimes, an eight-volume collection of essays on famous criminals and crimes from European history. . This volume tells the story of the infamous prison on Nisida a small island near Naples. - Summary by Michele Eaton

37Celebrated Crimes, Vol. 5: Part 2: La Constantin

By Alexandre Dumas

Dumas chronicles the court intrigues that led to the execution of Marie La Roux Constantin. La dame Constantin was known by French nobility in the 17th century as the “midwife to the Queen’s daughters.” This title was, in reality, a dark jest as her business was providing dangerous (often maternally fatal) abortions to women ensnared in the machinations of powerful noblemen. This case also highlights how strongly gender inequalities permeated the justice system of this time as reviews by historians, like Dr. Leigh Whaley, found La Constantin was condemned “without any tangible evidence against her.” - Summary by jvanstan

"The refined and fashionable audiences who... used to applaud the play of Mademoiselle de Belle Isle… would, in all probability, have objected to an English version of Dumas' clever play, upon the score of its immorality. It is not for me to determine whether the aristocratic audiences at the St James Theater did not understand what they heard, or whether the French language has a special charm for rendering inoffensive what plain English fails to recommend." - Summary by The Translator <BR><BR>Cast list:<BR> The Duke de Richelieu: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/10789">Tomas Peter</a><br> The Duke D'Aumont: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/11305">Craig Franklin</a><br> The Chevalier D'Auvray: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/11585">Kurt</a><br> The Chevalier D'Aubigny: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/11064">Jason in Panama</a><br> Chamillac: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7170">alanmapstone</a><br> The Abbe de Rosanne: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6754">ToddHW</a><br> The Marchioness de Valcour: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/10179">Sonia</a><br> Mademoiselle Gabriella de Belle Isle: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/11084">Devorah Allen</a><br> Mariette: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/10614">Leanne Yau</a><br> Footman: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/2156">Roger Melin</a><br> Servant: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/10957">Owen Cook</a><br> Stage Directions: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/10087">Sandra Schmit</a><br> Editor: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6754">ToddHW</a>

39Celebrated Crimes, Vol. 6: Part 1: Joan of Naples

By Alexandre Dumas

The celebrated crimes committed during the life of Joan (Joanna I) of Naples span from personal misdeeds (adulteries and mariticide) to regional warfare (like the 1345 War in the Piedmont), and ultimately unraveled her father’s legacy (King Robert the Wise). Dumas projects her story through a deathly lens: beginning with the passing of King Robert the Wise, winding through the untimely demise of nobles, soldiers, and children, then ending at Joan’s own assassination. - Summary by jvanstan

40Celebrated Crimes, Vol. 6: Part 2: The Man in the Iron Mask, Martin Guerre

By Alexandre Dumas

Dumas, with the assistance of several friends, compiled Celebrated Crimes, an eight-volume collection of essays on famous criminals and crimes from European history. Includes The Man in the Iron Mask and Martin Guerre. - Summary by Michele Eaton

41Celebrated Crimes, Vol. 5: Derues, La Constantin

By Alexandre Dumas

Dumas, with the assistance of several friends, compiled Celebrated Crimes, an eight-volume collection of essays on famous criminals and crimes from European history. Includes Vaninka and The Marquise De Ganges. - Summary by Michele Eaton

42Celebrated Crimes, Vol. 6: Part 2: The Man in the Iron Mask

By Alexandre Dumas

In the late 1600s a man was doubly-imprisoned: his body in an iron cell and his face in an iron mask. Who the “man in the iron mask” was, why he was imprisoned, and how he was treated during imprisonment, remains a mystery that has captivated historians for centuries. Before Dumas penned the final volume of his D’Artagnan Romances, “The Man in the Iron Mask,” he wrote that “everything connected with the masked prisoner arouses the most vivid curiosity.” This essay is a comprehensive summary of theories regarding the masked prisoner’s identity and history from the 1770s to Dumas’ time (1840s). - Summary by jvanstan

43Celebrated Crimes, Vol. 6: Part 3: Martin Guerre

By Alexandre Dumas

Martin Guerre was a French peasant that, during a long absence, was famously impersonated in the 16th century. Although the real Martin Guerre is suspected of no serious crimes, his imposter, Arnaud du Tilh, engaged in fraud and adultery while pursuing false claims to the Guerre inheritance. Dumas later incorporates this celebrated crime into his novel “The Two Dianas.” - Summary by jvanstan

44Celebrated Crimes, Vol. 7: Part 1: Ali Pacha

By Alexandre Dumas

Ali Tepeleni, Pacha of Janina, rose to power during the early 1800s in one of the Ottoman Empire’s most unruly territories (Albania). His ferocious imposition of will was limitless, earning him the sobriquet of “the Lion of Janina.” As the mauling and murder of innocents sustains the lion, so did it sustain Ali Pacha’s rule. Thus, the range of celebrated crimes that Dumas describes in this essay are as vast as Ali Pacha’s ambition – an ambition rooted in his mother’s callous advice that “success justified everything, and everything is permissible to him who has the power to do it.” - Summary by jvanstan

45Celebrated Crimes, Vol. 7: Part 2: Countess de Saint-Geran

By Alexandre Dumas

This story details the crimes and trial surrounding the unexpected pregnancy and subsequent childbirth of the Countess de Saint-Geran in 1640s France. Familial jealousies harbored by her sister-in-law, the Marchioness de Bouille, intertwine with the greedy schemes of a fugitive relative, the Marquis de Saint-Maixent, to produce a scandalous series of events. - Summary by jvanstan

46Celebrated Crimes, Vol. 7: Part 3: Murat

By Alexandre Dumas

Amidst the political winds from Napoleon’s downfall, this tale turns our attention to the flight of a former French marshal and King of Naples, Joachim Murat. Murat, unhappy with the deal he made to obtain pardon from the Austrian Emperor, takes a life-ending resolution to retake his crown rather than live in peaceful obscurity. - Summary by jvanstan

47Celebrated Crimes, Vol. 8: Part 1: The Marquise de Brinvilliers

By Alexandre Dumas

The crimes of the Marquise of Brinvilliers, a French aristocrat during the reign of Louis XIV, included some of the most famous murders, scandals (Affair of the Poisons) and mysteries (the Man in the Iron Mask) in French history. This story recounts her major crimes, torture, conviction and execution. - Summary by jvanstan

¿Es necesario describir los tres mosqueteros? Advierta el lector que serán más bien cuatro..., pero no adelantemos acontecimientos sin permiso del Rey o, al menos, de la Reina. - Summary by Tux

49Three Musketeers, Version 2

By Alexandre Dumas

D’Artagnan, son of a poor Gascon aristocrat, travels to Paris to seek his fortune. His family connections enable him to obtain a position in a Guard regiment. His provincial ingenuousness and his hot-headed sense of honor earn him three duels in as many hours. Thankfully, his preparation with the sword is sufficient to recommend himself to his Musketeer antagonists, and they – Athos, Porthos, and Aramis – become his fast friends. <br><br> But fate also crosses D’Artagnan’s path with some dangerous people who become his opponents: a mysterious “man from Meung” and a woman who styles herself Milady, who has formidable seduction skills and a heart that is mean and violent. Fate also inserts D’Artagnan and his Musketeer friends squarely in the middle of a love triangle of heroic proportions – between Anne of Austria (the Queen of France), George Villiers (the Duke of Buckingham, France’s enemy), and the great spymaster, his Eminence the Cardinal Richelieu. Both of these gentlemen can command the armed forces of their respective countries to battle simply for the pleasure of beating the other. And the Musketeers must serve and risk life and limb at the siege of La Rochelle, a place where the Duke and the Cardinal have chosen to match wills. <br><br> In this age it was common for young cavaliers to live off the gifts of rich mistresses, and the four friends are certainly, it seems, bereft otherwise, although all are respectably employed as guardsmen to the King himself. Their love connections weave a further web about them which often seems to sidetrack their duty to King and country. <br><br> It takes all the efforts of the four to fend off the lethal consequences of mixing in the affairs of their betters and the slings and arrows (not to mention the musket and cannon balls!) of their outrageous fortunes. (Mark F. Smith)

50Celebrated Crimes, Vol. 8: Part 2: Vaninka

By Alexandre Dumas

The story of Vaninka, generally regarded as the most fictionalized of Dumas’ Celebrated Crimes series, occurs during the short and eccentric rule of Emperor Paul I of Russia. Vaninka is a general’s daughter whose love for one of her father’s officers leads to tragic death, savage crimes and perversions of justice. - Summary by jvanstan