Louise de la Valliï¿1/2re (Oxford World's Classics) [Paperback]

Alexandre Dumas (Author), David Coward (Editor)

Book Description

Series: Oxford World's Classics | Publication Date: August 3, 2009

Louise de la Valli�re is the middle section of The Vicomte de Bragelonne, or, Ten Years After. Against a tender love story, Dumas continues the suspense which began with The Vicomte de Bragelonne and will end with The Man in the Iron Mask. Set during the reign of Louis XIV and filled with behind-the-scenes intrigue, the novel brings the aging Musketeers and d'Artagnan out of retirement to face an impending crisis within the royal court of France. This new edition of the classic English translation is richly annotated and places Dumas's invigorating tale in its historical and cultural context.

About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, voluminous notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`one of the very best of the series, mixing amorous and political intrigue with an elan peculiar to Dumas ... this quasi-historical series remains remarkably readable' The Irish Times (Dublin)

About the Author

David Coward is Professor of French at the University of Leeds. He has edited all OUP's Dumas titles and is the translator of Maupassant: Mademoiselle Fifi and A Day in the Country.

Product Details

• Paperback: 768 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (August 3, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 019953845X
• ISBN-13: 978-0199538454
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #176,992 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Historical Fiction at its best, August 18, 2010

By 

Stephanie J. Bequeath "perfectionist" (United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Louise de la Valliï¿1/2re (Oxford World's Classics) (Paperback)

"Louise de la Valliere" - the middle portion of Dumas' epic novel "The Man in the Iron Mask" - focuses on the intrigues of the court of Louis XIV, but is not less enthralling than its companions. If you find it difficult to follow more than one major plot, this is not the novel for you. If you want only to follow the tale of D'Artagnan and his companions, this is not your novel either.

If, however, you are open to becoming involved with new characters and delve into their plots, you will not be disappointed. I have no great love for the character of de la Valliere and the pawn she allows herself to be, but the players that surround her hold up her personality inaddition to their own and make the plots rich.

"Louise de la Valliere" is not a fast paced action thriller, but does not bore either.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous jaunt through French history, May 3, 2011

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Jill Arent "All Things Jill-Elizabeth" (Batavia, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Louise de la Valliï¿1/2re (Oxford World's Classics) (Paperback)

Most people are familiar with the story of The Three Musketeers (Oxford World's Classics) - "all for one, one for all" is a pretty common catchphrase/concept and actually does come from the book - and The Man in the Iron Mask (Oxford World's Classics); both have been made into numerous movies over the years. What most people are not aware of is that there are three other novels in the series, falling between them (Twenty Years After (Oxford World's Classics), The Vicomte de Bragelonne (Oxford World's Classics), and Louise de la Vallière (Oxford World's Classics)]. And it is extraordinarily good fortune for readers that there are, as Dumas' writing is exceptionally vivid, intense, dramatic (without being over-the-top) and action-packed. Throw out almost everything you think you know about these stories if your only experience with them is via the movies - even the better versions cannot hold a candle to the books. They are full of intrigue, suspense, and treachery; of politics, passion, and incomparable prose - they will take you on a high-speed ride through French history that I guarantee will entertain as well as educate. I am a fan of the Oxford World's Classics translations - I find them eminently readable and enjoyable, and it doesn't hurt that they look nice in a row on the shelf... ;)

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Louise de la Valliere is a classic historical novel by the pen of Aexandre Dumas (pere) the King of Romance Fiction!, July 28, 2011

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C. M Mills "Michael Mills" (Knoxville Tennessee) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Louise de la Valliï¿1/2re (Oxford World's Classics) (Paperback)

Louise de la Valliere is the middle part of the "Ten Years After" trilogy consisting of "The Comte De Bragalonne "(Raoul) the son of Athos the famous Musketeer; "Louise de la Vallerie" and "The Man in the Iron Mask". The novels were first published in Paris in the 1840s. The Oxford Classic Library edition of "Louise de la Valliere" uses the 1857 English translation. The story is long, episodic and complex. No wonder the editiors included a listing of the historical personages alluded to and participating in the trilogy. Over 40 pages of notes are included in the handsome Oxford Classics edition to enhance an understanding of the text. the book cover is a beautiful portrait of a lovely woman!
Highlights of the Plot: The novel opens in early summer 1661. We are at the court of the young Sun King Louis XIV. (1638-1715). While Louis builds up France's military forces plans are in place to remove finance minister Fouquet for the wily Corbert. D'Artangan is the commander of the King's musketeers. His old friend Pothos is a military engineer and the wealthy Athos has brought his son to court. Athos' son Raoul is in love with the lame, slight but lovely Louise de la Valliere. The King will himself make Louise his lover; Raoul will be disappointed in love. Raoul wlll also be sent on a diplomatic mission to Hampton Court in England where Charles II is the reigning monarch. Madame (Henrietta) is the sister of Charles II. She is unhappily married to Phillip the Duke of Orleans. He is the effeminate brother of Louis XIV. Madame has several courtiers include Guiche, King Louise and others. The Queen Mother Anne of Austria is adept at pulling romantic strings on behalf and often in defiance of the wishes of her son Louis. There is very little sword play in this sedate, talkative novel. The most exciting action is a duel between de Warde and Guice. There are no battles or violent deaths. Aramis has become the head of the Jesuits order; he is involved in ecclesiastical anti-papl politics.
Dumas demands attention and writes in an ornate style hard to digest for some 21st century eyes. Yet the creator of the Three Musketeers and countless other tales is well worth reading. Dumas (1802-1870)lived a high life of unceasing literary effort, countless affairs of the heart and eating with the taste of a gourmet. What a man and what fiction he produced for us to enjoy!