The Man in the Iron Mask, Alexandre Dumas
The Man in the Iron Mask, Alexandre Dumas
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The Man in the Iron Mask

Author: Alexandre Dumas

Narrator: Simon Vance

Unabridged: 22 hr 12 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 02/10/2010

Categories: Fiction, Classic


Synopsis

Thirtyfive years after the events of The Three Musketeers, DArtagnan, Athos, Porthos and Aramis find themselves caught between conflicting loyalties in a power struggle that could change the face of the French monarchy.For eight long years, a young prisoner has languished within the dreaded Bastille, his face hidden in an iron mask. He knows neither his true identity nor the crime for which he has been imprisoned. But Aramis knows this secreta secret so dangerous, it could topple the King from his throne! Will his cause divide the once indivisible band of musketeers?A tale of mystery, adventure, and political intrigue, this conclusion to Dumass swashbuckling musketeer saga is based on the true story of a masked prisoner who dwelled in the Bastille during Louis XIVs reign and whose identity remains in question to this day.

About Alexandre Dumas

Alexandre Dumas was one of the most famous and prolific French writers of the nineteenth century, producing some 250 books. He is best known for his historical novels The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo, and he was among the first authors to fully exploit the possibilities of roman feuilleton, or "serial novel." Dumas is credited with revitalizing the historical novel in France. His works are riveting, fast-paced adventure tales that blend history and fiction. A master of dialogue and character development, Dumas composed some of the most emulated teaser scenes for his suspenseful chapter endings.

Dumas was born in Villes-Cotterêts in 1802. His father was a general in Napoleon's army, but after he died, the family lived in poverty. Dumas worked as a notary's clerk until 1823, when he went to Paris to seek his fortune. Because of his elegant handwriting, he secured a position with the Duc d'Orleans, who later became King Louis Philippe. He also wrote for the theater and published some obscure magazines. Dumas lived as adventurously as the heroes in his books, taking part in the revolution of July 1830. He later caught cholera during the epidemic of 1832 and traveled to Italy to recuperate.

Dumas married his mistress, the actress Ida Ferrier, in 1840, but he soon separated after having spent her entire dowry on the construction of the fantastic château Montecristo on the outskirts of Paris. In 1855 Dumas was forced to escape his creditors and spent two years in exile in Brussels. In 1858, he traveled to Russia, and in 1860 he went to Italy, where he supported Garibaldi and Italy's struggle for independence. He remained in Naples as a museum keeper for four years. After his return to France, his debts continued to mount. Called "the King of Paris," Dumas earned fortunes and spent them on friends, art, and mistresses. Dumas died of a stroke on December 5, 1870, at Puys, near Dieppe. His illegitimate son, Alexandre Dumas (Jr.), became a writer, dramatist, and moralist.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Apatt on November 08, 2016

Parbleu! Morbleu! Corboeuf! Ma foi! Mordioux! Not to mention Cordieu! (I think they are variations of OMG). I usually prefer to know as little as possible about the book I am about to read, including avoid reading the synopsis, or if I have read the synopsis in order to decide whether to read the boo......more

Goodreads review by aPriL does feral sometimes on April 02, 2022

All of the characters in 'The Man in the Iron Mask' by Alexandre Dumas live behind an iron mask-built of honor first and foremost. Honor is first before riches or political place or family or work. I am torn. As much as I am in love with the Musketeers I cannot accept the code of honor they live by.......more

Goodreads review by Krystal on September 30, 2019

(view spoiler)[ SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS How can I possibly write this review without SPOILERS when my HEART IS BROKEN INTO A THOUSAND PIECES. I miss you already, my brave Musketeer friends! I am not someone who cries easily - the only series that's ever made me cry was Stephen King's The Dark Tower. Prior to th (hide spoiler)]......more

Goodreads review by Ana on October 22, 2020

Me quedé, pero con el ojo cuadrado, buena historia, diálogos profundos y las luchas un poco desesperantes porque te gustaría entrar y ayudar, pero claramente no puedes. Un gran clásico.......more

Goodreads review by Pritha on August 11, 2023

Absolutely thrilling. Although I didn't start with the first book, "The Three Musketeers", I could still feel the intensity of the position. I could feel the connections and all the sentiments they had for each other, and above all, for France. Thoroughly exhilarating piece of literature. Now going......more