"Introduction and Notes by Keith Wren, University of Kent at Canterbury A historical romance, The Three Musketeers tells the story of the early adventures of the young Gascon gentleman, D'Artagnan and his three friends from the regiment of the King's Musketeers - Athos, Porthos and Aramis. Under the watchful eye of their patron M. de Treville, the four defend the honour of the regiment against the guards of Cardinal Richelieu, and the honour of the queen against the machinations of the Cardinal himself as the power struggles of seventeenth century France are vividly played out in the background. But their most dangerous encounter is with the Cardinal's spy, Milady, one of literature's most memorable female villains, and Dumas employs all his fast-paced narrative skills to bring this enthralling novel to a breathtakingly gripping and dramatic conclusion"--from the publisher
592 pages 978-1853260407 Ages 11 and up
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"All for one, one for all."
A young French nobleman, d'Artagnan, journeys to Paris to join the kings Musketeers a unit of sword-wielding adventurers who guard King Louis XIII. D'Artagnan is immediately challenged to three duels by men who turn out to be the Three Musketeers, Porthos, Armis and Athos. His sword fighting skills earn him entrance into their brotherhood.
The now four Musketeers then set forth on an adventure filled with diamonds, romance, intrigue, swashbuckling and loyalty.
592 pages 978-1853260407 Ages 11 and up
Editor's note: For young readers: Classic Starts Series The Three Musketeers (978-1402736957) 160 pages an abridged version can be found published by Sterling.
Recommended by: Barb Langridge, abookandahug.com