The Alexandre Dumas Library

Alexandre Dumas

Step into a world of daring blades, secret identities, and whispered intrigues. The Alexandre Dumas Library invites listeners to gather by the fire and hear the great adventures as they were meant to be savoured - in full, unhurried, and alive with drama. From loyal musketeers to enigmatic counts, each episode unfolds a chapter of courage, betrayal, wit, and destiny, read aloud for those who believe that a good story is the finest companion on any journey. Take up your cloak, draw near, and let the tale begin.

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  1. EPISODE 1

    The Three Musketeers Author's Preface

    In which the narrator recounts the serendipitous discovery of a mysterious manuscript chronicling the exploits of d’Artagnan and three enigmatic musketeers named Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, whose identities had long sparked curiosity. This preface, brimming with genteel scholarly amusement, sets the stage for a tale purported to reveal the spirited adventures of these celebrated figures amidst the intrigues of the French court.

    5 min

  2. EPISODE 2

    The Three Musketeers Chapter 1 - The Three Presents of d'Artagnan the Elder

    In which a young Gascon gentleman named D’Artagnan, newly equipped with his father’s sword, horse, and wise counsel, embarks upon his journey to Paris, only to find himself embroiled in a bruising encounter at an inn in Meung that costs him a precious letter of recommendation. Despite his wounds and misfortune, the spirited youth secures modest lodgings near the Musketeers’ captain and sets out to make his way in the world with a heart full of courage and hope.

    41 min

  3. EPISODE 3

    The Three Musketeers Chapter 2 - The Antechamber of M. de Treville

    In which the gallant and indomitable M. de Tréville, captain of the king’s Musketeers, is revealed as a man both fierce in loyalty and tender in camaraderie, ruling his boisterous band with a rare mix of honour and unwonted disorder. Into this raucous milieu enters young D’Artagnan, a provincial Gascon newly arrived in Paris, whose first encounter with the dashing, yet quarrelsome, company of swordsmen opens a window onto the curious blend of boldness, wit, and intrigue that colours their lives.

    26 min

  4. EPISODE 4

    The Three Musketeers Chapter 3 - The Audience

    In which the stern yet affectionate Captain de Tréville summons his musketeers to rebuke their reckless brawl with the cardinal’s guards, revealing the delicate political balance between king and cardinal while welcoming the intrepid young D’Artagnan with cautious goodwill. Amidst the turmoil, an injured Athos makes a valiant appearance, and D’Artagnan’s bold pursuit of a mysterious gentleman sets the stage for his destined entry into the regiment.

    29 min

  5. EPISODE 5

    The Three Musketeers Chapter 4 - The Shoulder of Athos, the Baldric of Porthos and the Handkerchief of Aramis

    In which the fiery young Gascon D’Artagnan, beset by a series of accidental collisions and challenges, finds himself drawn into quarrelsome encounters with the formidable Musketeers Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, each marked by a mixture of misunderstanding and proud defiance. Amidst these spirited exchanges, the youthful aspirant reflects on manners and bravely braces for the inevitable conflicts that his impetuousness has provoked, with duels thoughtfully deferred to more secretive venues.

    19 min

  6. EPISODE 6

    The Three Musketeers Chapter 5 - The King's Musketeers and the Cardinal's Guards

    In which the young and intrepid D’Artagnan, newly arrived in Paris and unknown to its ways, boldly faces a perilous duel with three distinguished Musketeers—Athos, Porthos, and Aramis—amidst the stern watch of the Cardinal’s guards. Despite wounded limbs and formidable foes, the clash of swords reveals resolute honour and burgeoning camaraderie, marking the spirited initiation of a Gascon into their famed brotherhood.

    25 min

  7. EPISODE 7

    The Three Musketeers Chapter 6 - His Majesty King Louis XIII

    In which the valiant Musketeers, accompanied by the spirited young Gascon d’Artagnan, find themselves embroiled in a quarrel with the cardinal’s Guards, leading to a royal audience where justice, favour, and rivalry intermingle beneath the watchful gaze of King Louis XIII. With tempers rising and loyalties tested, the entourage navigates the delicate balance of honour and intrigue in the shadow of power, while their exploits kindle both royal commendation and the cardinal’s wrath.

    46 min

  8. EPISODE 8

    The Three Musketeers Chapter 7 - The Interior of the Musketeers

    In which we are introduced to the domestic arrangements and unique personalities of the three Musketeers and their valets, as well as to D’Artagnan’s own humble lodgings and spirited valet, Planchet. Their growing camaraderie blossoms amidst daily routines, spirited conversation, and subtle mysteries, culminating in D’Artagnan’s formal acceptance into the king’s Guards alongside his illustrious friends.

    21 min

  9. EPISODE 9

    The Three Musketeers Chapter 8 - Concerning a Court Intrigue

    In which four young friends, bound by loyalty but pressed by poverty, find themselves navigating the challenges of life in Paris while pondering a grander purpose for their united strength. Amidst their struggles, a mysterious visitor arrives, weaving a tale of secret intrigues and abductions close to the heart of the Queen's household, setting the stage for daring ventures yet to unfold.

    21 min

  10. EPISODE 10

    The Three Musketeers Chapter 9 - D'Artagnan Shows Himself

    In which D’Artagnan returns baffled after a fruitless pursuit of a mysterious stranger, and the four comrades gather to unravel the web of intrigue surrounding the abduction of a merchant’s wife and its curious connection to the queen’s affairs. Bonds of friendship are strengthened over shared counsel and a solemn pledge, even as they prepare to face the formidable opposition of the cardinal’s agents.

    20 min

  11. EPISODE 11

    The Three Musketeers Chapter 10 - A Mousetrap in the Seventeenth Century

    In which D’Artagnan discovers that the apartment of Monsieur Bonacieux has become a cunning mousetrap set by the cardinal’s agents, where visitors are secretly seized and interrogated, prompting him to rescue Madame Bonacieux from their clutches. Following a swift and daring escape, D’Artagnan takes her under his protection and sets about gathering allies and intelligence to uncover the mysterious designs surrounding the queen’s affairs.

    22 min

  12. EPISODE 12

    The Three Musketeers Chapter 11 - In Which the Plot Thickens

    In which the earnest and impetuous D’Artagnan finds himself entangled in the delicate mysteries of love and friendship, following the enigmatic comings and goings of the captivating Mme. Bonacieux under the shadowy Parisian night. Amidst secret handkerchiefs and whispered warnings, the young Gascon’s devotion and curiosity lead him to unexpected encounters and the stirring of loyalties beneath the ancient walls of the Louvre.

    41 min
See All Season 2 (12)

About

Step into a world of daring blades, secret identities, and whispered intrigues. The Alexandre Dumas Library invites listeners to gather by the fire and hear the great adventures as they were meant to be savoured - in full, unhurried, and alive with drama. From loyal musketeers to enigmatic counts, each episode unfolds a chapter of courage, betrayal, wit, and destiny, read aloud for those who believe that a good story is the finest companion on any journey. Take up your cloak, draw near, and let the tale begin.

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