The Three Musketeers

By: Alexandre Dumas

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 22 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

This historical romance, perhaps the greatest cloak-and-sword story ever written, relates the adventures of four fictional swashbuckling heroes who loyally served the French kings Louis XIII and Louis XIV.

When the dashing young D'Artagnon arrives in Paris from Gascony, he becomes embroiled in three duels with the Three Musketeers: Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. But when he proves himself by fighting not against, but with, the Three Musketeers, they form a quick and lasting friendship. The daring escapades of the four pit them against a master of intrigue, Cardinal Richelieu, and the quintessential wicked woman, Lady de Winter.

(P)2007 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"His plots are...rich in characters and adventures." ( Biographical Dictionary of Literary Influences)

One of the best adventure stories ever!

This book is one of my all time favorites. The reader was incredible! I can't wait to hear the sequels!

Classic adventure story

Though some of the passages can get long and tedious at times, overall I enjoyed the book. All the characters in this tale - so well known from movies, are unique and memorable, which the narrator Simon Vance brilliantly brings to life.

Mostly Fun

Was good fun till about two thirds of the way through the second book. At that point the author seemed to force the ending.

Wow!

Fabulous in every way! I cancelled appointments in order to keep listening. A hundred times better than expected.

All for One

If you are a fan of Dumas (I am) this classic novel and the narration of the audiobook will leave nothing to be desired: great characters fully realized, an exciting storyline and a real education on 18th century France.

An expert reading of an adventure classic

Simon Vance's recording of "The Three Musketeers" is one of the best audiobooks I've experienced. His reading and characterizations brought out nuances I'm sure I would have missed by reading the book myself.

The plot really moves, with just a few slower spots used to flesh out the characters. The tale is chock full of adventure and intrigue. It's quite humorous in the first half but turns dark in the second half, as the story shifts to the vengeful machinations of Milady de Winter, perhaps the most chilling villain I've ever encountered. I was also intrigued by the amoral actions of d'Artagnan and his friends. The musketeers are not always the honorable heroes portrayed in movie adaptations. Dumas pictured a bygone age with different notions of chivalry and heroism than we have today.

As an English history buff, I enjoyed how Dumas turned the real-life fate of the Duke of Buckingham (favorite of Charles I) into a key plot twist in the novel.

Vance's character voices were very good. My favorites were D'artagnan, Porthos and Cardinal Richelieu - who came off quite sympathetically in this narration. I often thought the Musketeers should throw in their lot with him rather than the foppish, foolish King Louis XIII or his scheming queen.

An old favorite

This was the first "adventure" novel I ever read, and it just doesn't get old. Performance here is excellent, giving all the flavor of the interactions between the men. Highly highly recommend. For first time listeners or people unfamiliar with the story, it starts off slowly but once you get past Meung it zips along. Stick with it.

masterful classic expertly preformed

so good even my small children were enthralled and wanted to listen. excellent performance of all the characters voices brings the whole story to life.

Incredible audio book!

Simon Vance is probably my all time favorite narrator. Anything by him is a treat!!! Also you can hardly beat Dumas' character development and plot!!! This is just phenomenal!

Three Musketeers + Simon Vance = superb audiobook

A most excellent book about d’Artagnan’s adventures with Athos, Porthos and Aramis, foiling Cardinal Richlieu’s plan to embarrass the Queen of France and the Duke of Buckingham due to his wounded ego. Milady de Winter is a consummate villainess – she must be a sociopath. I also read a children’s version to the kids to great success (even wrote my own kiddie cliff notes) and we are going to celebrate by eating a period French meal and watch the movie. Fabulous read that I would re-read again and again! I am on to the other d’Artagnan romances now!