Massacres of the South (1551-1815)

Celebrated Crimes, Vol. 2

By: Alexandre Dumas

Narrated by: Andy Harrington

In the second entry of his compilation of the most notorious deeds in European history at his point in time, Alexandre Dumas composes an essay covering a span of nearly 300 years of strife between the Catholics and Protestants of Southern France. Dumas recounts numerous instances of bloody conflict, unruly mobs, assassination, and political turmoil as the Protestants of the region fight to live and worship as they choose and Catholics endeavor to suppress a dangerous threat to their hegemony.

Public Domain (P)2018 Voices of Today

untold story

I love reading about historical events that for some reason have fallen between the cracks of favored narratives. This book is a great example. It has it all. Dumas takes sides but still manages a fair recounting of events. The darkness of ideology and orthodoxy is revealed but also put in context of human nature's need to express and protect strongly held beliefs. The will to power may also reflect a need for purpose. Dumas brings vividly to light to a forgotten episode which some undoubtedly want to remain buried. Maybe because nobody comes out looking very good.