“The chevalier’s multiple talents were well summed up by John Adams, visiting Paris in 1779: The “mulatto man,” wrote the future American president, “is the most accomplished man in Europe in riding, shooting, fencing, dancing, music. He will hit a button on the coat or waistcoat of the masters. He will hit a crown piece in the air with a pistoll [sic] ball.” –Tom Reiss, The Black Count
My sons are huge fans of The Count of Monte Cristo and when one of them was doing a bit of research, he came across this book and requested it for Christmas. It is a fascinating look into the life of General Alex Dumas, father of novelist Alexandre Dumas. Born the son of a black slave in Saint-Domingue, now Haiti, Dumas broke the color barrier and achieved professional heights and success in a white world that were not equaled until modern times. His life and adventures inspired Dumas’ The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo. General Dumas achieved great success but also suffered terrible consequences.
Tom Reiss spent a decade researching and writing this book. It is extremely well done and won the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Biography. Reiss has restored General Dumas to his rightful place in history by sharing his story, one of adventure, betrayal, and tragedy–but also one of love between a father and his son.
Content Advisory: Language, war violence