1203. The Vicomte de Bragelonne, by Alexandre Duman (22 Dec 1972) This is the third volume of the D'Artagnan cycle by Dumas. It is laid in 1660, and covers the restoration of Charles II to the throne of England, the death of Mazarin, and the beginnings of the intrigues where Aramis and Porthos are leagued with Fouquet against the King and d'Artagnan. There are two more volumes in the cycle: Louise de la Valliere (which I did not read till 17 Mar 1974) and The Man in the Iron Mask (which I did not read till 16 Feb 1975). This volume has 92 chapters and I did not find it as good or as exhilarating as Twenty Years After, the preceding volume in the cycle, which I had finished 25 Nov 1972. ( )

Illustrated with a frontispiece in photogravure, each illustration has tissue guard printed with caption. Very attractive binding in black cloth with floral decoration on covers and spines in light green and orange. Spine titles are gold, most very bright, a few slightly rubbed.

Dumas' third volume of about the four musketeers is usually split into three parts, of which this is the first. The swashbuckling of the first two books is significantly reduced; the story is now one about political intrigue. ( )

Every bit as good as the previous two installments of the Musketeers cycle it could not fail to enthrall all who have enjoyed 'The Three Musketeers' and 'Twenty Years After.' Not a book to take up if you haven't read the previous installments. ( )

Whilst D'Artagnan and Athos embroil themselves in the restoration of the English monarchy, Aramis and Porthos have their own secrets to keep, and Raoul is becoming well-known at court.

Not as action-packed as the preceding Musketeers books but it sets up some intriguing plot lines for the next two volumes. ( )