Subject
France -- History -- Louis XIV, 1643-1715 -- Fiction Books
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Alexandre Dumas
Twenty years after
"Twenty years after" by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet is a novel serialized from January to August 1845. D'Artagnan, still a lowly lieutenant after two decades, is summoned by the despised Cardinal Mazarin during France's brewing rebellion. Tasked with reuniting the legendary musketeers, he tracks down his old friends—now scattered across vastly different lives. As political turmoil engulfs both France and England during the English Civil War, the four heroes must navigate their conflicting loyalties and set aside their differences for one last mission.
Alexandre Dumas
The Man in the Iron Mask
"The Man in the Iron Mask" by Alexandre Dumas is a novel published between 1847 and 1850. This thrilling conclusion to the d'Artagnan Romances follows the aging musketeers during Louis XIV's early reign in 1660s France. As d'Artagnan becomes Captain of the King's Musketeers, political intrigue swirls around the ambitious Nicolas Fouquet. Meanwhile, Aramis discovers a mysterious prisoner in the Bastille who bears an uncanny resemblance to the king himself—a secret that could reshape the fate of France and test the musketeers' loyalty forever.
John Bloundelle-Burton
The Scourge of God: A Romance of Religious Persecution
"The Scourge of God: A Romance of Religious Persecution" by John Bloundelle-Burton is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds during a tumultuous time marked by religious persecution and personal conflict, focusing on the complex relationships and struggles of its characters. Central to the narrative is Martin Ashurst, the nephew of Madame la Princesse de Rochebazon, who finds himself entangled in a web of secrets and moral dilemmas as he navigates love, legacy, and faith. At the start of the book, we witness the death of the Princesse de Rochebazon, a high-ranking noblewoman, as she prepares to pass on her legacy while grappling with the burdens of her life's decisions. The opening chapters introduce Martin Ashurst, who has traveled from England to Paris, feeling a mix of trepidation and duty as he inherits his aunt’s fortune and is thrust into a tumultuous world of religious and political strife. As he arrives, he learns of hidden family secrets that could alter his understanding of his inheritance and identity. The narrative sets the stage for a gripping exploration of family honor, religious conflict, and the quest for truth amidst a backdrop of societal turmoil.
Alexandre Dumas
Ten Years Later
"Ten Years Later" by Alexandre Dumas is a novel published between 1847 and 1850. The third and final installment of The d'Artagnan Romances follows the legendary musketeers during the 1660s as young King Louis XIV transforms from uncertain monarch to the Sun King. D'Artagnan and his companions navigate court intrigue, romantic entanglements, and political machinations while a mysterious prisoner in the Bastille bears a striking resemblance to the king himself. Love, loyalty, and power collide in this sprawling tale of France's most turbulent era.
Alexandre Dumas
The Vicomte de Bragelonne
"The Vicomte de Bragelonne" by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet is a novel published between 1847 and 1850. The final installment of The d'Artagnan Romances follows the aging musketeers as they navigate the treacherous court of young Louis XIV in 1660s France. D'Artagnan returns to service while political intrigue swirls around the ambitious Nicolas Fouquet. Romantic entanglements complicate loyalties as Raoul de Bragelonne loses his beloved Louise to the king himself. Meanwhile, Aramis discovers a mysterious prisoner in the Bastille who bears an uncanny resemblance to Louis XIV.
Alexandre Dumas
Louise de la Vallière
"Louise de la Vallière" by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet is a historical novel likely written in the mid-19th century, as part of the larger series known as the D'Artagnan Romances. The story follows the adventures and intrigues surrounding D’Artagnan and his friends, delving into their lives intertwined with the French court, particularly focusing on themes of love, betrayal, and power. The main character introduced is D’Artagnan, a loyal musketeer who navigates the complexities not only of duty but also of romantic entanglements. The opening of the novel sets the stage at Fontainebleau, where D’Artagnan finds himself feeling neglected and bored amidst the social flutter of the court. He engages in banter with his friend Planchet, revealing his restlessness as he seeks to escape the ennui of court life. D’Artagnan’s thoughts are preoccupied with his old friends, and signs of their previous adventures loom large, foreshadowing the upcoming revelations of secrets that will entwine them once again in plots of love and loyalty. The narrative hints at political intrigue between figures like Fouquet and Colbert, setting a backdrop of tension that promises drama as the story unfolds.
Alexandre Dumas
Ten Years Later
"Ten Years Later" by Alexandre Dumas is a novel published between 1847 and 1850. The third and final installment of The d'Artagnan Romances follows the legendary musketeers during the 1660s as young King Louis XIV transforms from uncertain monarch to the Sun King. D'Artagnan, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis navigate political intrigue, dangerous secrets, and romantic entanglements at the French court. The story weaves together power struggles between ambitious ministers, forbidden love affairs, and a mysterious prisoner who bears an uncanny resemblance to the king himself.
Arthur Conan Doyle
The Refugees A Tale of Two Continents
"The Refugees" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a historical novel written during the late 19th century. The story is set against the backdrop of the 17th-century Huguenot persecution in France, focusing on the intertwined lives of Amory de Catinat, a soldier in the Blue Guard of Louis XIV, and his cousin Adele Catinat, the daughter of a prosperous Huguenot merchant. As the narrative unfolds, it explores themes of love, loyalty, and the struggle for dignity amidst religious and societal turmoil. The opening of the book introduces us to Amory and Adele as they share a tender moment in her father’s house in Paris. Their conversation hints at the tensions of the time, particularly concerning the impending arrival of soldiers mandated to quarter in her father's home. The exchange is abruptly interrupted by the arrival of Amos Green, an American visitor who brings a sense of the wild frontier to the refined Parisian setting. The chapter closes with a brewing conflict when Adele's father is targeted by the dragoons, escalating into a crisis that underscores the harsh realities of persecution faced by the Huguenots. This historical tableau sets the stage for an exploration of personal and political conflicts as the characters navigate the tumultuous landscape of their world.
Molly Elliot Seawell
The House of Egremont : $b a novel
"The House of Egremont" by Molly Elliot Seawell is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set against the backdrop of English history, following the fortunes of the Egremont family, particularly focusing on the character of Roger Egremont, who navigates the tumult and decline of his family's legacy while grappling with themes of loyalty, identity, and social status. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Roger Egremont, a boy raised in isolation due to the indifference of his father, John Egremont, who is more concerned with courtly affairs than his son's upbringing. Roger’s childhood is marked by a close relationship with his cousin, Dicky, amidst the grandeur and decay of the Egremont estate. As the narrative unfolds, significant family dynamics come to light with the arrival of Roger's younger half-brother, Hugo, which complicates Roger’s feelings of inheritance and identity. The opening chapters establish a richly detailed historical context, setting the stage for Roger's eventual trials and tribulations that revolve around family loyalty, societal expectations, and the search for personal worth in a world dictated by lineage and fortune.
Rafael Sabatini
The Suitors of Yvonne: being a portion of the memoirs of the Sieur Gaston de Luynes
"The Suitors of Yvonne: Being a Portion of the Memoirs of the Sieur Gaston de Luynes" by Rafael Sabatini is a historical novel likely written during the early 20th century. The story unfolds in a vibrant and tumultuous setting, marked by noble intrigues and personal conflicts, focusing on the life of the protagonist, Gaston de Luynes, as he navigates the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and ambition in a richly detailed historical milieu. The opening of the narrative introduces us to Andrea de Mancini, a reckless young nobleman, who finds himself in a compromising state after overindulging in wine. His behavior draws the ire of his powerful uncle, Cardinal Mazarin, who entrusts Gaston de Luynes with Andrea's guidance. However, a subsequent altercation leads to Gaston being dismissed, casting him into a situation where he must contend with the aftermath of Andrea’s indiscretions. The narrative quickly escalates as Andrea’s need for retribution provokes a duel with Eugène de Canaples, a nobleman whose sister is destined for marriage, intertwining their fates in a web of passionate conflicts that hinge on familial honor and romantic aspirations. Through these events, the reader gains a glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of court life and the perilous nature of love and friendship in 17th-century France.
Alexandre Dumas
Venti anni dopo
"Venti anni dopo" by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet is a novel serialized from January to August 1845. Twenty years have passed since their legendary exploits, and d'Artagnan and his fellow musketeers are summoned back into service during France's turbulent Fronde rebellion. D'Artagnan must reunite his scattered friends—now a nobleman, a wealthy landowner, and a priest—while navigating Cardinal Mazarin's schemes and England's civil war. As political chaos threatens two kingdoms, the aging heroes face prison escapes, royal intrigue, and a dangerous mission that will test their loyalty and valor once more.
Alexandre Dumas
The Vicomte de Bragelonne; Or, Ten Years Later Being the completion of "The Three Musketeers" and "Twenty Years After"
"The Vicomte de Bragelonne; Or, Ten Years Later" by Alexandre Dumas is a novel published between 1847 and 1850. The final installment of The d'Artagnan Romances follows the legendary musketeers during the 1660s as young King Louis XIV transforms into France's Sun King. D'Artagnan, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis navigate dangerous political intrigues, forbidden romances, and deadly power struggles at court. A mysterious prisoner in the Bastille bears an uncanny resemblance to the king himself, while hearts break and loyalties are tested in this sweeping tale of love, ambition, and secrets.
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