Whenever I think of the term “swashbuckler,” two images immediately come to mind: legendary actor Errol Flynn and the Three Musketeers, with their young protégé, d’Artagnan. Ironically, Flynn portrayed Robin Hood and even Captain Blood, but never had the opportunity to play one of Dumas’ famous swordsmen.

With great thanks and much respect to translator Lawrence Ellsworth, a new generation of readers have the privilege of experiencing the swashbuckling adventures of the Three Musketeers. Although a handful of characters throughout the series are fictional creations of Dumas, the majority are actual historical figures. The result are works that speak to the time period, the mid-1600s, and have a significant stronghold on the political climate of the times --- specifically between France and England.

"The opportunity to hold a 'new' book from Alexandre Dumas in my hands and immerse myself once again in the stories of his beloved Musketeers is a joy and an honor..."

This may be the first book in the Bragelonne saga, but the story clearly belongs to d’Artagnan. Raoul de Bragelonne is a young viscount and the son of Athos, a Musketeer. His primary function is to hold down his part of the romantic triangle with Louise de La Vallière and King Louis XIV. Plans are being made for King Charles II to visit His Royal Highness, and the political and social machinations are in full effect during a time when the situation appears to be copacetic between the two royal leaders. Monsieur Cromwell is dead, and Charles II wants from France what he did not receive from them when Cromwell was alive --- respect and allegiance. D’Artagnan asks to be released from his service to King Louis XIV, who happily grants it. Now, no longer having to carry the mantle as Lieutenant of the King’s Musketeers, he is free to travel as he sees fit.

Meanwhile, Athos, the Count de la Fère, had given service to the late King Charles I and is now seeking to aid his son, who has been both orphaned and driven from his palace. Athos and the newly discharged d’Artagnan reunite as they venture to England to see Charles II. The tides have turned in England as he is back in leadership after having been usurped by Planchet, a French grocer of the Rue des Lombards. These political rivalries still play a major role in this story.

BETWEEN TWO KINGS focuses on relationships and allegiances, and there is not as much swashbuckling here as there were in prior novels. Ellsworth’s translation provides readers with a much-needed list of characters, as well as notes on the text that shed light on the people, places and terms that breathe life into this classic work. The opportunity to hold a “new” book from Alexandre Dumas in my hands and immerse myself once again in the stories of his beloved Musketeers is a joy and an honor, and allows readers to pay homage to one of the pillars of classic European literature who is still so vital today.