The Three Guardsmen

5b Alexander Dumas, translated by Park Benjamin. Baltimore, 1846. First American Edition

Notes

The Three Guardsmen is a standalone prequel to The Three Musketeers, written by Alexandre Dumas. It was first serialized in 1844, and while it often gets overshadowed by its more famous successor, The Three Musketeers, it offers essential backstory to the characters and events that follow.

The novel introduces the early adventures of d'Artagnan, who, at the start of the story, is a young and ambitious man from Gascogne. He dreams of joining the king’s guard but is initially rejected. He soon forms a close friendship with three skilled guardsmen—Athos, Porthos, and Aramis—who each have their own complexities and secrets. The Three Guardsmen explores their early encounters, their bond, and their shared sense of honor. It sets the stage for d'Artagnan’s later journey with the famed "Four Musketeers," providing deeper context to the friendship and conflicts that will later define The Three Musketeers.

Description

Marbled boards with brown leather spine and corners. Black leather label on the spine with gilt lettering. Columned text. Minor foxing throughout the interior. Fine condition.