The Vicomte De Bragelonne
(Alexandre Dumas pere)
Although written as a single narrative, the final work in Dumas? Three Musketeers series is often published in English in three separate works: The Vicomte de Bragelonne, Louise de la Valliere and The Man in the Iron Mask. It is the first of these sections that I shall describe here. It is May 1660 and intrigue, plotting and the politics of Louis XIV?s court are now the order of the day, as Cardinal Mazarin and the young King struggle for the mastery of France. While Louis adores Mazarin?s beautiful niece, Athos? son Raoul is deeply in love with the gentle Louise de la Valliere, much to the chagrin of his father. Our four friends seem to have grown even further apart over the years. Athos himself treads a path of perfect honesty and nobility, trying to restore Charles II to the English throne. D?Artagnan, still without his desired Captain?s commission, bitterly leaves the service of Louis XIV and joins in partnership with his onetime servant Planchet, to aid the exiled King of England through rather sneakier methods. After a period of doubt, royalty is restored and after reaping their rewards d?Artagnan once more decides to serve Louis, who, as the Cardinal lies on his death bed, is showing himself to have hidden qualities and depths. This time our hero is sent to investigate the island of Belle Isle which is reportedly being fortified by the wealthy Fouquet, Superintendent of Finances. To D?Artagnan?s surprise, he finds the architect is none other than his old friend Aramis, who has involved himself with the fate of Fouquet for reasons that are not altogether clear. Aramis, now Bishop of Vannes is embroiled in his own dark plans, deceiving his friends and leading the trusting Porthos into a convoluted plot concerning a certain masked prisoner?
Resumos Relacionados
- The Three Musketeers
- Louise De La Valliere
- The Man In The Iron Mask
- The Three Musketeers
- Twenty Years After
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