If you are interested in the French Revolution as an era and enjoy classic literature, it’s well worth getting your hands on a copy of the highly rated novel, Joseph Balsamo. Which was written by Alexandre Dumas. Especially if you’re looking for a gripping book to read in your free time.
A handy guide to the novel Joseph Balsamo:
It was written by one of the world’s most famous writers Alexandre Dumas:
If the name Alexandre Dumas rings a bell, you may recognize Dumas as the author of The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo. If you have read either of these highly regarded novels, it’s well worth reading Joseph Balsamo as it offers a well-crafted plot and colorful characters, that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Its main character Joseph Balsamo is a complex, multi-faceted character:
The main character Joseph Balsamo who is also known as Cagliostro, is an alchemist, a member of the secretive, mysterious Freemasons, and a conspirator in a complex plot to overthrow the French monarchy.
It features real-life historical characters:
It features some of the most famous French royals in history Louis XVI, Louis XV the grandfather of Louis XVI, and Marie Antoinette. At the start of the novel, Louis XVI has yet to take the throne. During the novel, Marie Antoinette marries Louis XVI.
It immediately drags you into the action and sets the tone for the rest of the novel:
When you first start reading Joseph Balsamo, a group of mysterious hooded Freemasons meet in the dead of the night, in the shadows of the mountains. It turns out that powerful, influential Freemasons from around the world were converging in the mountains, in order to plot to overthrow the French monarchy in favor of the rise of democracy. It turns out that the leader of this group is Joseph Balsamo himself.
It will give you insight into the inner workings of the French royal court:
While much of the novel follows the plot to overthrow the French monarchy, a lot of the novel is set in the French court and will give you an insight into the inner workings of the extravagant French court. For example, you’ll get to read about the drama which was caused in the royal court by Louis XV’s mistress the infamous Madame DuBarry. So if you find the political intrigue and affairs which took place in the French royal court fascinating, you’ll find Joseph Balsamo interesting.
You’ll gain an insight into why socialism was on the rise:
Some of the scenes in Joseph Balsamo will give you an insight into why socialism was on the rise, during this very interesting period in time. You’ll also get to learn about how dire the food shortage as for the poor class at the time.
Regardless of whether you’ve read any of Alexandre Dumas’ other books, if you have an interest in the French Revolution, the Freemasons or the Versailles royal court, it’s well worth reading Joseph Balsamo.
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