Authorship, Transmission and Adaptation through The Three Musketeers

This book offers a groundbreaking exploration of Alexandre Dumas’s enduring  legacy, focusing on his most celebrated work, The Three Musketeers. Despite its global popularity and cultural impact, critical studies on Dumas and his iconic novel are surprisingly scarce. This monograph breaks new ground as the first modern critical study dedicated to The Three Musketeers, examining its myriad adaptations across diverse cultures and media. Delving into the rich tapestry of Adaptation Studies, this book transcends traditional analyses by exploring a wide array of adaptations beyond the familiar Anglo-centric lens. From India to the Slavic world, and especially examining Latin America, it provides a comprehensive examination of how The Three Musketeers has been reimagined in various cultural contexts. Readers will discover how this serialized novel evolved into a cornerstone of Western culture, tracing its journey through 19th-century printings, stage versions, and children’s books. This monograph also investigates the global screen presence – or absence – of the Musketeers. Scholars and enthusiasts alike will find this book invaluable for understanding Dumas’s complex identity as a mixed-race author in 19th-century France. It sheds light on the criticism he faced during his lifetime and how he became the object of systemic erasure from his works. By examining how Dumas’s identity has influenced the adaptation and circulation of his stories, this book reveals the intricate relationship between author and characters. This essential read is perfect for researchers in literature, film studies, cultural studies, and anyone intrigued by the fascinating interplay between text and adaptation.