Customer Reviews (20)

A gripping tale of love and revenge
Warning: Do NOT pick this book up and start it if you have something that you need to do in the next day or three. You won't be able to put the book down, or if you do, you'll move zombielike through your everyday tasks while your mind stays with the adventures of Edmund Dantes.

The Count of Monte Cristo is a delicious book, full of intrigue, great fight scenes, love, passion, and witty social satire. Dumas has a wonderful grasp of human nature and a talent for rendering all the follies of man in delightful, snappy prose. I immediately recognized people that I know (yes, even myself) in his vivid characters, which made the book all the more engaging to me.

Some people might be put off by the size of the book -- it's a pretty hefty volume -- an tempted to buy the abridged version. Don't! I've heard from people who've read both versions that the abridged version is a pathetic, washed out shadow of the full novel. At any rate, as thick and impossibly long as The Count of Monte Cristo may seem when you open it for the first time, you'll feel as though it's far too short by the time you get to the last page.

Absolutely wonderful!
For the past year, I have thought that Austen's Pride and Prejudice would remain my all-time favorite book, but now I see that I am mistaken, as The Count of Monte Cristo has DEFINITELY topped P & P on my list.
This book, about the transformation of Edmond Dantes from an unsuspecting, guileless, innocent young man into a vengeful, dark, and clever man, and how the newly born Dantes uses his fortune and wit to avenge his past life, is one book that I shall never forget. I simply could not put this book down, and was even scolded by my family for neglecting my meals, sleep, and work to read this enchanting story. The details, the plot thick with intrigue and secrets...all of this and more were combined by Alexandre Dumas to create a masterful work of literature that one will surely come to appreciate greatly. I urge you, READ THIS BOOK! You shall not regret it!

Absolutely Riveting Tale!
This is honestly one of the greatest novels I have ever read. I absolutely loved this book. I could not put it down! This is a must read for anyone.When I first started into this novel, I had in my memory the 'movie' that was made for the big screen. So of course, I expected the book to be very similar to it. Well, I was very wrong! Other than Edmond Dantes being betrayed by his 'friends' and finding the treasure, this book takes on a different route.

Believe me, the book is much more superb. The way the Count exacts his revenge is astonishing. I cannot fathom how Dumas came up with such a scheme. At times, one cringes for the those who wronged the Count.

This book made me laugh and cry. There are many poignant moments throughout the book that make you feel good. Anyone who says that Dumas is not up there with the 'classic' writers, does not know what they are talking about. This book is rich in dialogue, mystery, suspense and storyline. All in all, this is an amazing classic, and I recommend it to anyone wanting a good read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 19th century   2. Classics   3. Fiction   4. France   5. History   6. Literary   7. Literature - Classics / Criticism   8. Literature: Classics   9. Pirates   10. 19th century fiction   11. Classic fiction   

Customer Reviews (13)

A work of art, of course!
This book, like all of Dumas' other works, is excellent and should be read by all. It's not as action packed, I admit, as the other Musketeer books, however, I find it equally captivating. I think the interaction of the four friends(d'Artagnan, Athos, Porthos and Aramis),and how they deal and act with one another at this point in their lives is very interesting. If you get this book, you better make sure you have close on hand the next two(Louise de Valliere and The Man in the Iron Mask)because it ends abbrutly, leading you in to the next book. But it's definately a must have.

Another great performance from Dumas and his Musketeers
The Vicomte De Bragelonne is another masterpiece by Dumas. Although not as captivating as the first two books in his series (The Three Musketerrs and Twenty Years After), VDB certainly has its moments. VDB is followed by Louise de la Valliere and finally the series ends with the story of the Man in the Iron Mask. This book starts of rather slowly compared to the others and certainly is not as captivating albeit it is a good read. The ending is a little weak too. The middle is simply a page turner. Adventure after adventure. This book sets up the plot for the last two in the series (all three were really one book entitled Ten Years Later). The Musketeers (d'Artagnan, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis) could not be more different in this book. They are taking diffent sides of the governmental rift as Louis XIV finally makes his rise to power. I recommend this book. END

The D'Artagnan series low down
First of all, the most common way to get the whole series is with 5 separate and distinct books. They are (in order): The Three Musketeers, Twenty Years After, The Vicomte De Bragelonne, Louise De LA Valliere, and The Man in the Iron Mask.

I don't think I need to tell people about the story, but I will. The action and dialogue in the Dumas' stories rivals anything written since. Especially the dialogue. If Dumas were alive today he'd be writing for TV and movies, his dialogue is as fast and witty as anything around.

There are many different printed versions of these stories around. If you pick and choose at random from different publishers, you may miss parts of the stories, have overlaps, or run into major editing. Just look at the versions of the 'Man in the Iron Mask' and see the different page count. At my local library I found two books that said 'Complete and Unabridged,' only one had 10 less chapters than the other.

So, sticking to one publisher increases your chances of getting the whole story. These Oxford World Classic editions are excellent. They do have all five books. They don't cut anything out. They use one of the standard translations (I'm not sure if there has been a new translation in the last 100 years). And they are newly printed. Some publishers versions look like photocopies of old printings and are pathetic. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classics   2. Fiction   3. French Novel And Short Story   4. General   5. Historical - General   6. Literary   7. Literature - Classics / Criticism   8. Literature: Classics   9. 19th century fiction   10. French   

Customer Reviews (70)

Only time could stop them
I won't lie. When I first read this book I felt terribly cheated. I had followed the adventures of the Four Musketeers for months. And then, Dumas reminded me that they could trick Richelieu and Mazarin, but they couldn't outsmart Louis XIV nor time.

Know something? I loved it!

This book isn't as fast-paced as the previous stories. It has lots more intrigue and romantic tension, since it's centered around Raoul de Bragelonne (Athos' son) and, as D'Artagnan says, the youngsters of Louis XIV's court aren't what they used to be. Neither the musketeers! Athos has become quieter, Aramis more mysterious, Porhos more innocent and D'Artagnan is tired of devoting his life to persons that forget him once they're powerful. Their final fight against time makes this a great book, even if during the final chapters I cried a lot. Any Musketeer lover would.

Finally, and for moviegoers, my advice: don't even try to compare the movie to this book. It's completely different, though the musketeers are nicely portrayed on it, and shouldn't be compared. Alternate realities, anyone?

Better than the movie
This is one Dumas best works, and to those who dislike i say this: to say it has an awful ending means you have completely missed the point. There a number of peaple (the makers of the recent film included) who seem to believe that it's about a man who is forced to wear an iron mask, it isn't. The book is actually about the destinies of the musketeers and how they meet them, the mask is simply a plot vehicle for this. Secondly the book makes little or no sense if read out of secquence with the others, you see this is the final part of dumas final musketeers story (the vicomte de bragelone) and should be read after the other parts. All that said this is great book, only dumas can take 120 pages to tell one day and keep us gripped. The ending is wonderfully sad and still keeps us guessing.

Slow Begining, But a Fun Read
I bought this book thinking it was the sequel to the Three Musketeers, which I really enjoyed. What I didn't realize was that there are a number of books in between these two and so I was a bit lost in the beginning with some of the plots and characters (like Raoul, son of Athos, and Louise). Once I got aquainted with what was going on though, I found the book just as exciting, funny, and entertaining as the first.

I would definitely recommend this book, but you might want to read some of the prior books first to get the most out of it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classics   2. Fiction   3. France   4. French Novel And Short Story   5. Historical - General   6. History   7. Literary   8. Literature - Classics / Criticism   9. Literature: Classics   10. Louis XIV, 1643-1715   11. Man in the Iron Mask   12. 19th century fiction   13. French   14. Novels, other prose & writers: 19th century   

Customer Reviews (10)

A brilliantly lucid, if not 'purist', guide to Hegel
As noted by other reviewers, this reading of Hegel is a post-Nietzsche, post-Marx, post-Heidegger one (meaning it incorporates or synthesizes these post-Hegel, though influenced-by-Hegel, strains of thought). It is therefore scorned by some Hegel 'purists' like Mr. Trejo below. However, having read quite a few commentaries on and interpretations of the Phenomenology I can say that this one is the most well-written, in the sense that it illuminates some very difficult Hegelian concepts (like "Spirit" itself) in a searingly direct manner. I have also never read another writer so convincing in their argument as to Hegel's essential rightness in his description of the Concept which brings closure to the riddle of Western metaphysics.

I would agree with the 'purists' in not taking this book as the 'definitive' interpretation of Hegel - it can't excuse not reading Hegel in the original, or other commentaries - but I would call it essential within the spectrum of Hegelian thought.

Interestingly, this book shows Hegel, though famously critical of Kant, to be essentially the extender of the Kantian philosophy to it's logical conclusion which is the completion of the Concept of Experience, identified as Time itself (ZeitGeist). That is, Human Time, initiated by the emergence of specifically Human Desires (i.e.; for recognition), as the Absolute Subject which constructs itself rationally via reflection on it's Object-negating or given-negating activity or creativity, not in the classical notion of a rational Time as existing somehow outside or independently of a Subject).

Kojeve's reading however, though convincing in it's demonstration of anthropologically necessary Historical development toward Hegelian 'harmony' between the Subject and it's Object, leaves out Hegel's attempt at the absolute identity of the Object itself. This can be read in two ways that Kojeve touches on. First, in the truer-to-Hegel sense that the Object is necessarily different from the Subject to ensure the ability of the Subject to realize itself as Self, as free Subject of Object-negating, creative, activity. Another way to read this is as simply Kojeve's dismissal of Hegel's Philosophy of Nature and it's more cosmic attempt at spiritualizing the notion of matter. Either way, as many Hegel commentator's have noted, one is left, though undoubtedly further enlightened regarding the nature of subjectivity, with a sense that there is still something 'out there' and unknown, ala Kant's 'thing-in-itself'. This can be understood as the Heidegger-influenced side of Kojeve's reading.

My own conclusion at the moment is that both Hegel and the existentialist school following him ala Heidegger and Kojeve can be understood as essentially philosophers of subjectivity in the Western tradition who have rationally illuminated, but also thoroughly exhausted the questioning of the Self about it's nature. As our great contemporary philosopher in the Continental tradtion Jurgen Habermas has noted, it's high time to move beyond the philosophy of monological subjectivity. For fresh thinking in this area and where to pick up the pieces after Hegel, Heidegger, Kojeve, etc. (rather than taking the nihilistic road of 'post-modernism') I highly recommend Habermas's _The Philosophical Discourse of Modernity_. Habermas as successor to this line of thought is convincingly stated in the opening chapter "Modernity's Consciousness of Time and It's Need For Self-Reassurance" and in his call for moving on to a paradigm of "Intersubjectivity" and Reason understood anew as Communicative Action.

Brilliant and lucid, if not 'purist', reading of Hegel
As noted by other reviewers, this reading of Hegel is a post-Nietzsche, post-Marx, post-Heidegger one (meaning it incorporates or synthesizes these post-Hegel, though influenced-by-Hegel, strains of thought). It is therefore scorned by some Hegel 'purists' like Mr. Trejo below. However, having read quite a few commentaries on and interpretations of the Phenomenology I can say that this one is the most well-written, in the sense that it illuminates some very difficult Hegelian concepts (like "Spirit" itself) in a searingly direct manner. I have also never read another writer so convincing in their argument as to Hegel's essential rightness in his description of the Concept which brings closure to the riddle of Western metaphysics.

I would agree with the 'purists' in not taking this book as the 'definitive' interpretation of Hegel - it can't excuse not reading Hegel in the original, or other commentaries - but I would call it essential within the spectrum of Hegelian thought.

Interestingly, this book shows Hegel, though famously critical of Kant, to be essentially the extender of the Kantian philosophy to it's logical conclusion which is the completion of the Concept of Experience, identified as Time itself (ZeitGeist). That is, Human Time as the Absolute Subject constructing itself rationally via reflection on it's Object-negating activity (creativity in transforming the given or present), not in the classical notion of a rational Time as existing somehow outside or independentaly of a Subject.

Kojeve's reading however, though convincing in it's demonstration of anthropologically necessary development toward Hegelian 'harmony' between Subject and Object, leaves out Hegel's attempt at the absolute identity of the Object itself. This can be read in two ways that Kojeve touches on. First, in the truer-to-Hegel sense that the Object is necessarily different from the Subject to ensure the ability of the Subject to realize itself as Self, as free Subject of Object-negating, creative, activity. Another way to read this is as simply Kojeve's dismissal of Hegel's Philosophy of Nature and it's more cosmic attempt at spiritualizing the notion of matter. Either way, as many Hegel commentator's have noted, one is left, though certainly further enlightened as to the nature of subjectivity, with a sense that there is still something 'out there' and unknown, ala Kant's 'thing-in-itself'. This can be understood as the Heidegger-influenced side of Kojeve's reading.

My own conclusion at the moment is that both Hegel and the existentialist school following him ala Heidegger and Kojeve can be understood as essentially philosophers of subjectivity in the Western tradition who have exhausted the questioning of the Self about it's nature. As our great contemporary philosopher in the Continental tradtion Jurgen Habermas has noted, it's high time to move beyond the philosophy of the monological subject. For fresh thinking in this area and where to pick up the pieces after Hegel, Heidegger, Kojeve, etc. (rather than taking the nihilistic road of 'post-modernism') I highly recommend Habermas's _The Philosophical Discourse of Modernity_. Habermas as successor to this line of thought is convincingly stated in the opening chapter "Modernity's Consciousness of Time and It's Need For Self-Reassurance" and in his call for moving on to a paradigm of "Intersubjectivity" and Reason understood anew as Communicative Action.

Brilliant and lucid, if not 'purist', guide to Hegel
As noted by other reviewers, this reading of Hegel is a post-Nietzsche, post-Marx, post-Heidegger one (meaning it incorporates or synthesizes these post-Hegel, though influenced-by-Hegel, strains of thought). It is therefore scorned by some Hegel 'purists' like Mr. Trejo below. However, having read quite a few commentaries on and interpretations of the Phenomenology I can say that this one is the most well-written, in the sense that it illuminates some very difficult Hegelian concepts (like "Spirit" or Geist itself) in a searingly direct manner. I have also never read another writer so convincing in their argument as to Hegel's essential rightness in his description of the Concept which brings closure to the riddle of Western metaphysics.

I would agree with the 'purists' in not taking this book as the 'definitive' interpretation of Hegel - it can't excuse not reading Hegel in the original, or other commentaries - but I would call it essential within the spectrum of Hegelian thought.

Interestingly, this book shows Hegel, though famously critical of Kant, to be essentially the extender of the Kantian philosophy to it's logical conclusion which is the completion of the Concept of Experience, identified as Time itself (ZeitGeist). That is, Human Time, initiated by Human Desire, as the Absolute Subject constructing itself rationally via reflection on it's Object-negating activity or creativity, not in the classical notion of a rational Time as existing somehow outside or independently of a Subject).

Kojeve's reading however, though convincing in it's demonstration of anthropologically necessary Historical development toward Hegelian 'harmony' between Subject and Object, leaves out Hegel's attempt at the absolute identity of the Object itself. This can be read in two ways that Kojeve touches on. First, in the truer-to-Hegel sense that the Object is necessarily different from the Subject to ensure the ability of the Subject to realize itself as Self, as free Subject of Object-negating, creative, activity. Another way to read this is as simply Kojeve's dismissal of Hegel's Philosophy of Nature and it's more cosmic attempt at spiritualizing the notion of matter. Either way, as many Hegel commentator's have noted, one is left, though certainly further enlightened as to the nature of subjectivity, with a sense that there is still something 'out there' and unknown, ala Kant's 'thing-in-itself'. This can be understood as the Heidegger-influenced side of Kojeve's reading.

My own conclusion at the moment is that both Hegel and the existentialist school following him ala Heidegger and Kojeve can be understood as essentially philosophers of subjectivity in the Western tradition who have rationally illuminated, but also exhausted the questioning of the Self about it's nature. As our great contemporary philosopher in the Continental tradtion Jurgen Habermas has noted, it's high time to move beyond the philosophy of monological subjectivity. For fresh thinking in this area and where to pick up the pieces after Hegel, Heidegger, Kojeve, etc. (rather than taking the nihilistic road of 'post-modernism') I highly recommend Habermas's _The Philosophical Discourse of Modernity_. Habermas as successor to this line of thought is convincingly stated in the opening chapter "Modernity's Consciousness of Time and It's Need For Self-Reassurance" and in his call for moving on to a paradigm of "Intersubjectivity" and Reason understood anew as Communicative Action. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1770-1831   2. Hegel, Georg Wilhelm Friedrich   3. History & Surveys - 19th Century   4. History & Surveys - Modern   5. Phanomenologie des Geistes   6. Philosophy   7. Philosophy Of The 19th Century   8. Phänomenologie des Geistes   

Customer Reviews (4)

It's a buy, but only if you download the source code for web
Sorry to say this, but there were some pretty glaring errors in the code listings in the book. Structure of the book did not follow the required code writing to make entry in the programming environment possible without compilier errors. Unfortunately, the errors in the book forced me to rate this lower than four.

Overall, the material and examples were good. I strongly recommend that if you do get this book make sure you download the source code from the website, otherwise your examples will not work, however you can get around these problems if you know C# just requires a little additional head scratching. Authors do know their stuff and source code on website compiles without error. Nice Tetris example at the beginning that will introduce you quickly to some of the basics of gamewriting. Book goes quickly to connecting with DirectX and networking topics.

Great Introduction for People that know C#
I'm not sure the problem the previous reviewer had, but if you already know C# and want to dive into the world of Managed DirectX, this is a great recource.

I've been playing around with DX for about 4 years now so I have a head start in understanding the topic. I thought that the material was perfect for a beginner, and actually wished I had this book back when I was first learning. David clearly states in the introduction that your book isn't there to teach you WinForms and maybe that's the problem the previous reviewer had. If you already know C# this book is a great introduction to Managed DX programming. If you don't know C#, go buy a book on that first.

Great book, author knows his stuff!
I really don't understand the previous review. I don't think the person even looked at the book. His review says nothing about the book and I think it is a great book.

after all, the author works for Microsoft and is the game guru there. If he doesn't know what he is talking about, nobody does!

I found all the code that I tried to work out of the box, so I suggest disregarding the previous review and trying the book out. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Bks - Languages / Programming   2. Computer Books: Languages   3. Computer Graphics - Game Programming   4. Computers   5. Programming Languages - C#   

Customer Reviews (345)

The unraveling story of revenge
The Count of Monte Cristo is one of the best books ever written, if not the best. It is a great piece of Literature written by the multitalented author, Alexandre Dumas. It is a thrilling and exciting adventure story of a young noble boy named Edmond Dantes. He was young honest sailor who had the privilege of directing the ship called the Pharaon after his captain died. He is then betrayed by two people he thought were his fiends, Monsieur Danglars and Fernand. Danglars was jealous of Edmond because he was the likely candidate to be the captain of the pharaon and Danglars wanted the job. Fernand was jealous that Mercedes was in love with Edmond. The public prosecutor M. de Villefort confiscated Edmond's only proof of innocence. The reason is that the evidence proved that de Villefort's father is a Bonapartist, which would put the prosecutor out of the favor of the court. Edmond was sentenced to life in the infamous dungeon, the Chateau d'If. There he makes friends with a priest. They develop a father, son friendship. He spends fourteen long, hard years in jail. He has a daring escape and finally leaves the oppressing dungeon. He then plans his revenge on his enemies. He joins a smuggler ship to protect his identity. He returns to his village, to find his father dead from hunger. He protects himself by changing his name to the Count of Monte Cristo, and travels to find his enemies with his new found fortune. He comes to find his lover Mercedes married to one of his enemies. The book is an action packed, never ending and very exciting. You will go on the greatest thrill ride of your life and it will not stop until you close the book. I enjoyed the book and I appreciated the author's hard work to write a fine piece of literature. It is an adventure story unlike any other, which involves a great deal of mystery. The use of one character in more than one role might be at first confusing, but it only adds to the drama of the story. The story is an intricate web of what the word vengeance really means. The plot is forever rolling and unraveling until the final resolution. You will be on your toes for most of the book and apprehensive to see what is yet to come. I greatly enjoyed the passion of the protagonist, to make his enemies feel the hurt and despair he went through. The plot is nicely developed to intrigue the minds of young adults and to make them think. The reader feels the joy of Edmond his sorrow is also felt.

There are a few negative parts of the book. The length of the book may intimidate the reader at first and might deter them away from it. Edmond playing more than one character could also confuse you at first until you read more about the book. There was also the use of many different characters, which confused me as the story progressed. The positive aspect of the book was incalculable. The author's use of plot was very good and used wisely, this added to the quality of writing. I liked the book a lot and I would recommend it to anybody ages 13-up. This book makes you feel the magic of reading, so enjoy it.

pure masterpiece
Novels such as these convince me that the larger the story, the more profound will be its ending. There are too many features to this book to do it justice. The basic story line follows Edmund Dantes, a young sailor accused of treason. He is sentenced to life imprisonment, but (as one can guess might happen) he manages an escape. The rest of the novel follows his plan to revenge himself. The whole while, the reader never knows how evil prison has made Dantes, and the possibility that he will spare no one in his mission is quite plausible. What emerges is a suspense in terms of plot and character intertwined.

Anyone interested in reading a huge book, but unsure which one to try first, this would be my top recomendation. Dumas' style is suited to suspense, adventure, and action, but is also moving and has penetrating insights into humanity. One will also find a wealth of descriptiveness to let your imagination absorb itself into another world. It is easy to read, and easy to pick up where you left off, in case you need to take a break from it.

A Must Read!
This is honestly one of the greatest novels I have ever read. I absolutely loved this book. I could not put it down! This is a must read for anyone.When I first started into this novel, I had in my memory the 'movie' that was made for the big screen. So of course, I expected the book to be very similar to it. Well, I was very wrong! Other than Edmond Dantes being betrayed by his 'friends' and finding the treasure, this book takes on a different route.
Believe me, the book is much more superb. The way the Count exacts his revenge is astonishing. I cannot fathom how Dumas came up with such a scheme. At times, one cringes for the those who wronged the Count.

This book made me laugh and cry. There are many poignant moments throughout the book that make you feel good. Anyone who says that Dumas is not up there with the 'classic' writers, does not know what they are talking about. This book is rich in dialogue, mystery, suspense and storyline. All in all, this is an amazing classic, and I recommend it to anyone wanting a good read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 19th century   2. Classics   3. European - French   4. Fiction   5. France   6. French Novel And Short Story   7. General   8. Historical - General   9. Historical fiction   10. History   11. Literature - Classics / Criticism   12. Literature: Classics   13. Fiction / General   

Subjects:  1. Computer Bks - Games   2. Computer Books: Languages   3. Computer Graphics - Game Programming   4. Computer games   5. Computers   6. Microsoft .NET   7. Programming   8. Programming - General   9. Programming Languages - Visual BASIC   

Customer Reviews (43)

Dumas has a gift. Enjoy it.
Twenty years after, although not as good as the Three Musketeers, is an excellent novel. In traditional Dumas style it starts of slowly to reach the climax late in the book. Twenty Years after is the second in a series of five novels about Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and D'Artangnan. Once again I dare anyone not to get drawn in by these four characters. I recommend that one reads these five book in order (The Three Musketeers, Twenty Years After, Vicomte of Bragleonne, Louise de la Valliere, and The Man in the Iron Mask). Please write back with any comments.

The Best Book of the Five
Twenty Years After is my favorite book of Dumas' Musketeer series! There is more emphasis on the characters and the friendship between Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and d'Artagnan than in the Three Musketeers without losing any of the adventure or excitement. The four friends find themselves on opposite sides of politics, yet when evil again rears its ugly head, this time in the shape of Milady's revenge-obsessed son, Mordaunt, they pull together and triumph in one of most of the exciting adventure stories ever written. The only down side of the book is the fact that Charles I is unable to be saved by the musketeers, although this doesn't detract from the excitement found in their attempt to preserve the English monarch. This is a must read for all Dumas fans.

Entertaining, Lots more history, maturity
It is twenty years after the first Musketeers saga and Athos, Aramis, Porthos and d'Artagnan have all gone their separate ways. Midlife has mellowed the musketeers and definitely complicated their perceptions. Porthos has been indulging himself with his widow's money and working himself up the caste ladder but is still not entirely accepted but the upper crust he wants to become. Aramis has gone into the church and, although he dreams wistfully of the days that he was a musketeer, his scheming has become more of a way of life than a troublesome quirk. Athos is the only one who still closely resembles the man he was in his youth. Even the hot tempered, rambunctious D'Artagnan has settled in to his career as a professional soldier. He is now a musketeer for the paycheck instead of the glory. Yet all deep down reminisce of 'the good old days' - the only question is what will they do to recapture them.

Mazarin has replaced Richelieu as Cardinal and the queen, once persecuted by the previous Cardinal, is now in league (or at least in bed) with the despised Italian Mazarin. Though Mazarin is popularly hated by the people, D'Artagnan jumps at the opportunity for advancement when Mazarin commissions him to reassemble the foursome ostensibly for the protection of the prince regent and queen. But the others have their own ideas about working for Mazarin and Dumas maintains a delicate balance as the four eventually do come to work together though not entirely on the same side.

Twenty Years After is more grounded in history than the first and I highly recommend this particular book for the notes in the back. For all the criticism that Dumas plays fast and loose with history, it depends on where you place your yardstick. He moves events around a bit with people coming back from exile a year or two early and a battle being fought several years later but, over all, this is really grounded in history. The bulk of the plot is the siege of Paris by the Queen (and Mazarin) in the late 1640's. The death of Charles I and the peasant revolt are more substantial historical events than the retrieval of the Queen's diamonds in the first novel so expect a lot more complicated plot as far as people and events. Dumas knew his history (judging by the degree of deviation suggested by the notes) and though he might move or bend it, he still tried for plausibility. We also have a new arch enemy in this one - Lady DeWinter's son, Mordaunt, who has come to seek revenge on the men who executed his mother in the first book.

While still a superb adventure story, this is a more adult tale with more emphasis on psychological motivations and the effect of time on a man's ideals and motivations. I enjoyed the first one more because of the less complicated plot and swift action but that is not to suggest that Twenty Years After is lacking in any way. When taken in conjunction with the first, the idea is brilliant and brings out many more elements that a simple 'more of the same' sequel just couldn't do. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure   2. Classics   3. Fiction   4. France   5. Historical - General   6. History   7. Literary   8. Literature - Classics / Criticism   9. Literature: Classics   10. Louis XIV, 1643-1715   11. 19th century fiction   12. French   13. Novels, other prose & writers: 19th century   

Customer Reviews (144)

Exciting But Repetitive
This is an exciting book that unfortunately feels formulamatic at times. Maybe that is because it was produced as a serialized novel originally. It can have that "find out what our heros are up to next issue" feel. Overall it is fast paced, but long. I liked the action sequences and the author's creation of distinct personalities for his heros. While I had to read this over a long period of time, I found I enjoyed it most when I could put in a couple of hours at a time and fully submerge myself in the author's world. I would recommend picking this up for a vacation book or if you know you'll be able to keep at it night after night.

The author uses a convincing historical and period backdrop for his tale. It feels real which aids the story. The romantic nature of his heros leads to a wonderful story of comradship and loyalty, good versus evil, etc. Many things to like, but I did not find it deserves quite as lofty a pedestal as most of these other reviewers do.

Not Quite What I'd Expected
Although I'm a lover of historical fiction, especially the 19th century historical romances (read "historical adventures"), I'd never read this one. So I figured I had to finally attempt such a classic of the genre. Well, it was enjoyable but not really first class, I'm sorry to say. Not up there with IVANHOE or THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS (which, itself, is somewhat flawed) or H. Rider Haggard's ERIC BRIGHTEYES, to name a few. Dumas' famous classic is a tale of a young country bumpkin of the lower Gascon nobility come to the big city (Paris) to make his fortune (by joining the king's elite guard, known as the Musketeers). He quickly stumbles into trouble, even before reaching Paris, and never manages to get clear of it again as one thing leads to another. He hooks up early on with three Musketeers of the guard whom he inadvertently offends and then, rather than dueling each to the death as they demand and he agrees to, he ends up, purely by circumstance (and his naive loyalty to the king), on their side. This all leads to further intrigue and mayhem including a somewhat episodic adventure taking D'Artagnan (our hero) to England on the Queen's urgent business, to foil the Cardinal who is the king's highest and most relied-on minister, and the Queen's enemy at the same time. And the king's sporting competitor in matters of state and the military to boot! There is a sub-plot as well with a scheming and avaricious lady who works for the Cardinal and who has her own fish to fry, and lots of kidnappings and sword fights in the mix. But the characters never really come to life. D'Artagnan and his three friends in the Musketeers are cleverly written and bigger than life but hardly full-blooded or anything but one-dimensional. And D'Artagnan, himself, seems oddly simple and yet, inevitably is described as the cleverest of the four companions who are all a good deal older and more experienced than he is. More strange is D'Artagnan's skill with the sword. From the first he is described as being awkward and somewhat untutored, even in weaponry. Yet, from his initial crossing of swords, he inevitably bests all comers, no matter how much more experienced or skilled they are described as being. In fact, he seems to be the equal of, or superior to, his three Musketeer companions, surpassing them in this skill as he surpasses them in intelligence and cleverness. And yet he is an utter dolt in his dealings with women, a veritable mooning adolescent in the face of the the women he falls for. Nor do the women get treated particularly well by the writer, for their part. I suppose it was the convention of the times but they are all either beautiful and helpless (downright simple, actually) or they are beautiful and deadly. But never do they seem particularly real, from the Queen to Milady to D'Artagnan's objet d'amour, to the lovely servant girl who hankers after D'Artagnan, nearly as moon-eyed as he is about his fancied mistresses. All very strange indeed. I suppose the book broke ground in its time and it is somewhat fun to read, especially after the first third which takes rather a long time to set up all the plot dynamics. But I must say I was frustrated no end by the mindless meanderings and utterly frivolous actions of the four companions as they proceed through their adventures. I mean why would trained soldiers gamble away perfectly good, indeed outstanding, English mounts which they had been gifted, knowing how dear these were and how necessary to men like them? My favorite part of the tale, however, was the four friends' picnic under the Huguenot guns so perhaps this was just in character for them. But what characters! -- SWM

A very good classic
The Three Musketeers is really a pretty good book and worth reading. The musketeers are Athos, Porthos and Aramis, but there is also another character which is almost more the focus of the novel. This is D'artagnan, a young man who first comes to blows with each of the Musketeers, but then becomes good friends with each of them.

I'd say the first half of this novel seems a little less focused than the first. I don't know if it was just me, but I found I kept getting confused about what exactly what was happening and how various events were related. The second half seems much more clear and is certainly very entertaining.

Dumas gives each of the characters a distinct personality and although the musketeers often seem mysterious, there's still a sense of understanding their motivation and concerns. Each is a brave gentleman in service of their country, enjoying their adventures and journeys.

I'd say this is really a good book and definitely worth reading if you're interested. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure   2. Children's 9-12 - Literature - Classics / Contemporary   3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)   4. Classics   5. Adventure stories   6. Historical fiction   

Subjects:  1. 1921-   2. Education   3. Education / Teaching   4. Freire, Paulo,   5. Philosophy   6. Philosophy & Social Aspects   7. Philosophy Of Education   8. Social aspects   9. Teaching   10. Teaching Methods & Materials - Classroom Planning   11. Teaching Methods & Materials - General   12. Vocational guidance   13. Freire, Paulo   

Customer Reviews (2)

Additional Comments
The writer of the above review has done a great job of conveying the basic arguments and value of Strauss's translation of the Hiero and his discussion with Kojeve. I think that there is yet more to be said. Strauss as a political philosopher argued the case that with Machiavelli modern political thought begins. One cannot help when reading the Hiero to begin to see further, it was already convincingly argued in Thoughts on Machiavelli, how Machiavelli's famous treatise The Prince is in many ways a response to this dialogue from Xenophon. The discussion of tyranny and the "joys" and "protections" that stem from such a life are questioned in the Hiero because of the ramifications of tyrannic rule. Strauss, in typical fashion, articulates and expands on the argument presented in the Hiero. The responses from Kojeve bring the classical into conflict with the most progressive of modern thought, the concept of the universal state. Particularly valuable in this edition is the collection of the correspondence of the two respondents which clarify, and present a more honest argument, the public discourse extant in the formal essays. Read this book as a companion to "The Prince" or studies of Hegel to see the dialogue between "Classical" and "Modern" or even "Post-modern" thought.

Philosophy at its intoxicating best!
This astounding book, On Tyranny, pits Leo Strauss against Alexander Kojeve in the never ending battle of the Ancients against the Moderns. The book begins with the text of Xenophon's Hiero, followed by Strauss's in depth discussion of the Hiero. Then the fireworks start!

Kojeve, in his discussion of Strauss's comments, will elucidate his peculiar mixture of Hegelian, Marxist, and Heideggerian philosophies in order to defend the unity of 'Tyranny and Wisdom' at the end of history, with some amusing asides on Strauss's tendency to build a philosophical cult. Modern tyranny (Stalinism) is rational, or wise, because it leads to the universal, homogenous state. The state in which everyone -- people, politicians, and philosophers -- will be fulfilled. This state, where the people will be safe, politicians renowned, and philosophers enthralled by the rationality of it all, will happen as a result of historical action, or work. We will be living in a world that we made with our own hands. And, as the conflicts of history weed out ever more irrationalities, we come to feel more and more at home in this fabricated, technological world. This leads to less conflict and more fulfillment. Which means, as Kojeve said elsewhere, "History is the history of the working slave." This leaves some of us, Strauss included, wondering if the only thing more wretched than being a slave would be living as a contented one.

Strauss comments on all this in a reply that briefly starts out with a discussion of Eric Voegelin but then turns to the main event. Strauss wants to know how anyone will want to live in this world where everyone thinks the same, feels the same, wants the same. A world in which anyone who thinks/feels/wants differently, as Nietzsche said, goes voluntarily to the madhouse. A world that as Reason is woven into it, Humanity is pushed out of it. His prescription is a return to the ancients, who, as the Hiero shows us, knew that philosophy both could not and should not be realized in time. Otherwise, Humanity will end up engulfed by its own artifacts. Or, as Ernst Juenger remarked, "History is the replacement of men by things. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1902-1968   2. Despotism   3. General   4. Hieron   5. Kojeve, Alexandre,   6. Philosophy   7. Political   8. Political Philosophy   9. Political science   10. Tyranny and wisdom   11. Xenophon   12. Correspondence   13. Kojève, Alexandre   14. Political Science / General   15. Strauss, Leo   

Subjects:  1. (Alexandre)   2. Geometry - Algebraic   3. Geometry, Algebraic   4. Grothendieck, A   5. Mathematics   6. Science/Mathematics   

Customer Reviews (10)

Very Good Literature
This is one of my favorite Dumas books. The central focus is on Louis XIV and Louise De La Valliere, who is one of the ladies in waiting for his sister in-law. The Sun King was having an affair with her and took notice to Louise at first as a diversion for the court so that he can spend time with his mistress without much attention. What the King did not expect was to fall in love with the plain and poor Louise, who has the heart of gold. Around this story is also the story of Aramis and Fouquet plotting some scheme which is revealed in The Man in the Iron Mask. D'Artagnan, Porthos, and Athos have small roles in this story, but will have significant roles in TMITIM. This book is probably the slowest pace among the three volumes, first is Vicomte De Bragelonne, this is second and the last is TMITIM. Readers are advised to read these books in order because you are going to have a hard time following. Also, while reading about Louise's relationship with Louis, you can't help but feel very sympathetic to Raoul, who was her betrothed and completely in love with her, ultimately leading up to his tragic death later on.

one of my favorite books
This book together with the other two describes one of the French best history pieces. Louis XIV was an extraordinary person despite certain criticism. "Louise de La Valliere" shows a young king who is eager to rule and has got a character that is still vulnerable at that time. He is in love with a woman who is honest to love the king for himself and is not able to love anyone else. I find this romance fascinating and pure. The story is based on the real characters and the book brings us to the XVIIth century France which looks idyllic. Dumas practically showed us how the love, which led to the creation of Versailles, began. I researched the topic and I should say that the more I learn about that time period the more I am surprised how Dumas' imagination cuold do such a wonderful job of reviving his heros. I read many more "serious" books after and should say that in my bad and good days I would go back to the book and find it more interesting than before. I read it in English and my native language and hope that someday I will be able to learn French to read it becccause I am sure that there is no translation that could be able to come close to the culture itself...

EXCELLENT
Very interesting saga mingled with romance between King and Louise. Must read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1644-1710   2. Classics   3. Fiction   4. France   5. French Novel And Short Story   6. Historical - General   7. La Valliere, Francoise-Louis   8. Literary   9. Literature - Classics / Criticism   10. Literature: Classics   11. duchesse de,   12. 19th century fiction   13. French   

Customer Reviews (1)

A True Classic!
This is honestly one of the greatest novels I have ever read. I absolutely loved this book. I could not put it down! This is a must read for anyone.When I first started into this novel, I had in my memory the 'movie' that was made for the big screen. So of course, I expected the book to be very similar to it. Well, I was very wrong! Other than Edmond Dantes being betrayed by his 'friends' and finding the treasure, this book takes on a different route.

Believe me, the book is much more superb. The way the Count exacts his revenge is astonishing. I cannot fathom how Dumas came up with such a scheme. At times, one cringes for the those who wronged the Count.

This book made me laugh and cry. There are many poignant moments throughout the book that make you feel good. Anyone who says that Dumas is not up there with the 'classic' writers, does not know what they are talking about. This book is rich in dialogue, mystery, suspense and storyline. All in all, this is an amazing classic, and I recommend it to anyone wanting a good read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classics   2. Fiction   3. General   4. Historical - General   5. Literature - Classics / Criticism   6. Fiction / General   

Subjects:  1. Classics   2. Fiction   3. France   4. French Novel And Short Story   5. Historical - General   6. History   7. Literary   8. Literature - Classics / Criticism   9. Literature: Classics   10. Louis XIV, 1643-1715   11. Man in the Iron Mask   12. 19th century fiction   13. Classic fiction   14. French   

Customer Reviews (11)

Adventure, romance, and ..... tulips?
This is a wonderful story about the 'tulipmania' of the 1600's and also a staggering look at the violence and chaos of the time. It's central character is young Doctor Cornelius Van Baerle, who is as happy as can be in his own little world of growing tulips and inventing new colors for the flower. He thinks himself void of all enemies, but of course, we know better. There is then an announcement that says that anyone who invents the Black Tulip first, wins a huge monetary award and the recognition the new flower will bring to the winner. This sends all tulips-fanciers everywhere into frantic competiton to see who can grow the Grand Black Tulip. Then, as Cornelius finally perfects his Black Tulip, he is suddenly arrested and sentenced to be executed as an accomplice to the 'traitors' John and Cornelius De Witte. I thought this story was very exciting and though you might think a story that focuses on a flower is strange, if anything, it adds to the charm. There are very interesing characters who are clever and endearing, and whom you care about. I recommend this book to all Dumas fans, adventure lovers, romanticists, and even florists, if you like

An Exciting and Romantic Tale
In "The Black Tulip", Alexandre Dumas proves again his ability to mix adventure and romance to create an exciting and romantic tale. Although Dumas may have distorted history significantly in this story, the image of late 17th century Holland which he presents is accurate and vivid enough to give the reader a lasting impression of society and culture in this period.

The execution of Jann and Cornelius De Witte and the romance between Van Baerle and Rosa are portrayed with such detail that readers are not likely to forget this book. I strongly recommend this tale to any who love adventure, history and romance.

Flower power
This book is not to be recomended by those who want an exciting swashbuckling tale on a par with Dumas' incomparable musketeer stories. It is to this end that many reviewers and readers of this book leave with an unfriendly opinion of this book. Although it is Dumas' last book, it is in my opinion one of his best. It tells the heartwarming tale of Cornelius van Baerle who lives purely to try and cultivate the rare and wonderous black tulip. However when Cornelius' godfather is asassinated he, without knowing it, enters a dangerous game of cat and mouse with his jealous neighbour (and tulip fancier) Issac Boxtel who has seen Cornelius being given a letter by his godfather. To this end Cornelius is jailed whereupon he falls in love with Rosa, the beautiful daughter of his jailer. Rosa aids Cornelius to cultivate his tulip inside the jail and they eventually succeed only to have it cruely stolen by Boxtel. I wont ruin the ending by telling you what happens, suffice to say I feel that for the first time in his writing career Dumas wrote a "Happy ever after" ending which irritated me to some extent. I do love this book and it earns its place alongside Dumas' great novels, my main reason for loving it so much is its final lines, it is one of the greatest pieces of philosophy I have ever heard, but it is important to read the book to fully understand its meaning, I know it so well that I can reel it off the top of my head thus, " ... he wrote above his door these lines that Grotius had carved on the wall of his prison on the day of his escape: "Sometimes one has suffered enough to have the right never to say: I am too happy"
To me these words have a beautiful resonance that is not only lovely to think of but accurate as well, I feel that anyone who reads this book and fails to be moved, if by nothing else by the bathos of the denoument, then they have ultimately failed to appreciate the true beauty and skill of one of the finest novelists to ever pick up a writing implement. This book is a thing of beauty, perhaps the tulip itself is a simple microcosm of the book, to start off it appears to be nothing special, but in the hands of someone who is aware of its true worth it is as priceless as the world itself. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classics   2. European - French   3. Fiction   4. French Novel And Short Story   5. Literary   6. Literature - Classics / Criticism   7. Literature: Classics   8. Tulip mania, 17th century   9. 19th century fiction   10. Classic fiction   11. French   

Customer Reviews (21)

AWESOME story HORRIBLE edition
i love this book! it is one of my favorite classics, and i higly reccomend it to everyone. however, DO NOT BUY THIS EDITION!!! i borrowed this book from the library, only it was a much older edition, in hardcover, and much longer. i loved it. i bought this edition because i wanted to read it again and again, and i thought that it would be nice to have a paperback that was shorter, so it wouldn't be so bulky. i got three chapters into this edition and realized that it was abridged, despite not mentioning the fact anywhere. not only was it abridged (not to mention not telling me of that) but it left out complete parts, parts that were important to the story, including when fernand and danglars write the note accusing dantes, danglars trying to make caderousse too drunk to remember, and renee asking de villefort to be merciful to the prisonr. i don't know what else they've left out, seeing as how i didn't finish beyond the seventh chapter. also, the chapters are only two to four pages in this edition, while in the real book they are much longer. i would strongly like to deter anyone from buying this edition. it is a waste of time and money. buy the real thing.

One excitement after another
I originally read this book for school but it turned out that I really enjoyed the book. This book allows you to take a look into the life of royalty and of peasants during the early eighteen hundreds. The action in this book took a while to start but when the action started it kept up throughout the novel. I saw the movie before I saw the book so I thought that the book would be the same as the movie. The book in fact is very different than the movie. There is fighting in the movie and the details of the story are different. This story filled with deception, but you know whom to trust. But Edmond does not seem to realize whom to trust. Edmond does horrible things to the people whom he has revenge for. Edmond only does this however to get back what he has lost and he still helps people along the way. Edmond plans out this revenge that he destroys the people he is out to get. He makes them into laughing stokes.

Mr. Jolley Book Review
Alexandre Dumas's captivating novel, The Count of Monte Cristo, is a tale of vengeance, anguish, sorrow, love, and redemption. It is an extraordinary account of a man's life which is full of intrigue and deception. With the great fortune of attaining a promotion as the new captain of the Pharaon and the hand of his beautiful fiancé who will soon stand at the altar with him, Edmond Dantès could not have been a happier man. Yet, behind his back and in the shadows jealous eyes watch him and plot his downfall. On the night of his much awaited betrothal feast, Edmond is arrested and accused of being an aid to Bonaparte. Not long after an interrogation, he is condemned to life in prison at the Château d'lf. Unfortunate souls sent here are never heard or seen again. Death is the only way out of this dark place. Many of Edmond's precious years are spent alone, forgotten, and in despair and wretchedness. When all seems lost, he has an unusual encounter with another prisoner, Abbé Faria. A strong friendship forms as they plan their elaborate and final escape. But only days before their escape, Abbé Faria falls ill and cannot make the journey. On his deathbed, Abbé Faria gives his beloved friend the whereabouts of a forgotten treasure. With the life of his friend fading, he must make the most important choice of his life. Spurred by the hope restored to him by his friend and by the vengeance that has grown and festered in his heart throughout the long years spent behind bars, Edmond attempts his final escape. Whether it be death or great riches that lie outside his four prison walls, he is determined to play his part as the avenging angel. Those who have ruined his life will pay, and those who were undeserving of their fate will be avenged. He will have what is rightfully his, what he deserves...or...so he plans.
This is one of Dumas's greatest novels. It will draw the reader into its story within the first few pages. It is a book that is hard to put down or walk away from. If you enjoy tales full of unexpected twists and turns, you will love this one. Yet, as a warning, it is a book that you cannot just breeze through. It takes your full attention to catch all the details. I highly recommend it to anyone who is willing to take the time. So, if this is you, just sit back and prepare yourself for the ride of your life. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 19th century   2. Classics   3. Fiction   4. France   5. Historical - General   6. Historical fiction   7. History   8. Literature - Classics / Criticism   9. Literature: Classics   10. Movie-TV Tie-In - General   

Customer Reviews (4)

The Three Musketeers
The Three Musketeers is a great book. It has a lot of action and mystery. The story is about a young man named D'Artagnan who wants to become a Musketeer. He joins up with the Three Musketeers even though he isn't a Musketeer, yet. In the end he becomes a Musketeer. It is a great book!

The Amazing Three Musketeers
The Three Musketeers
By: Alexandre Dumas, et al
Reviewed by: E. Kim
Period: 2

The book is about that a young cadet, D'Artagnan, goes to Paris to be trained as a King's musketeer, who teams up with Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. Cardinal Richelieu and his spy, Milady de Winter, are trying to thwart the evil schemes to save the Queen's honor. Milady de Winter has poinsoned D'Artagnan's true love and gets revenge on Richelieu and Milady de Winter. There, an another spy of Richelieu, Count Rochefort, was part of this evil scheme. There D'Artagnan was having a sword battle with Rochefort and there Rochefort got stabbed by D'Artagnan's sword. Then Athos, Porthos, and Aramis called upon an executioner to execute Milady de Winter. Then D'Artagnan was called upon Cardinal Richelieu and promotes him lieutenant of the King's musketeers.

I liked the book because it is an action/adventure book that all children and adults would really enjoy. I really loved that quote,"One for all, and all for one!" because that quote saids that we must work together as a group or with a friend. In this book, it saids that they say this quote every time they fight or they did it beacause they are fighing as a team. I think that if everyone did this book as their project, they would get As or Bs. Then they will be very happy.

There will be no people rejecting this book, because they think that this is the best action/adventure book published by Alexandre Dumas. The people should get this book, it tells about the medieval period, help on your history homework about what it is like during the medieval period, this chapter book can help you with your comprehension skills.

My favorite part of this book is when that D'Artagnan and Rochefort are fighing at the church, because the sword fighing has the same technique has the medieval period. The least favorite part of this story is at the beginning of the book, because, it tells the boring stuff, no conflict, etc. The middle and the ending part is okay, but the beginning is verry dull and it doesn't tell you what happens next. So, I really enjoy this book and you might enjoy it too.

Wonderful
This book was my son's (age 7) introduction to the "classics". We read it together, a few pages a night. He really got hooked, and is now eager to read more books like it. I highly recommend it. The content is written in a way that a young bright child can follow it, but is not too babyish for an older child. It has a black and white drawing on the right side of each written page, which helps keep the child interested. We loved it!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure   2. Adventure and adventurers   3. Children's 9-12 - Literature - Classics / Contemporary   4. Children: Grades 4-6   5. Classics   6. Fiction   7. France   8. History   9. Juvenile Fiction   10. Louis XIII, 1610-1643   

Subjects:  1. Brongniart, Alexandre   

Subjects:  1. 1901-   2. General   3. Lacan, Jacques,   4. Movements - Psychoanalysis   5. Psychology