The Three Musketeers

The most well-known story by Alexandre Dumas, possibly the most well-known historical novel ever.
In a swirl of adventure, espionage, conspiracy, murder, vengeance, love, scandal, and suspense, this swashbuckling epic of chivalry, honor, and daring-do, set in France during the 1620s, is richly populated with romantic heroes, unreachable heroines, kings, queens, cavaliers, and criminals. The weak King Louis XIII and his unhappy queen, the beguilingly evil seductress ‘Milady’, the powerful and cunning Cardinal Richelieu, and, of course, the three musketeers themselves, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, whose motto "all for one, one for all" has come to symbolize devoted friendship, are just a few of the minor historical figures that Dumas transforms into larger-than-life characters. The Three Musketeers is always entertaining thanks to its story, which features purloined letters, masked balls, stolen diamonds, and of course, great swordplay.

Alexandre Dumas (1802–1870) was a celebrated French novelist and playwright, renowned for his swashbuckling historical adventures and prolific literary output. Born in Villers-Cotterêts, France, Dumas was the son of Thomas-Alexandre Dumas, a general in Napoleon’s army of Afro-Caribbean descent. Despite facing racial prejudice, Dumas pursued a literary career in Paris, first achieving success with plays like Henri III and His Court (1829).
In his early and middle years, Dumas turned to historical fiction, collaborating with assistants such as Auguste Maquet. He achieved lasting fame with The Three Musketeers (1844), Twenty Years After (1845), and The Count of Monte Cristo (1844–1846). These novels captivated readers with their action, intricate plots, and vivid characters. His writing blended romance, history, and adventure, making him one of the most widely read French authors of all time.
Dumas was incredibly prolific, writing hundreds of works, including essays, travel books, and a multi-volume memoir. He also founded a theater and engaged in political causes, including support for Italian unification. Though he faced financial difficulties later in life, his popularity remained high.
Alexandre Dumas died in 1870 near Dieppe. His legacy endures worldwide, with his novels continuously adapted for stage, film, and television.