Quick Facts
French novelist who created D'Artagnan and the Count of Monte Cristo, wrote hundreds of novels with an army of collaborators, lived as extravagantly as his heroes, and made adventure the world's most popular genre.
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Life Journey
Born Dumas Davy de la Pailleterie on July 24, 1802. His father was a famous general, son of a French marquis and a Caribbean slave. Young Alexandre would carry this mixed heritage proudly.
His father, General Thomas-Alexandre Dumas, died when Alexandre was only four. The general had quarreled with Napoleon; the family was left in poverty. But stories of his father's heroism shaped the boy's imagination.
Moved to Paris with almost nothing, getting a job as a clerk to the Duke of Orléans. His beautiful handwriting and enormous energy began opening doors.
His play 'Henri III et sa Cour' triumphed at the Comédie-Française. The romantic drama launched Dumas as a major playwright. Fame and women followed immediately.
Participated actively in the July Revolution, personally helping to seize a powder magazine. The adventure-loving writer proved he could live his own stories.
His illegitimate son Alexandre (future author of 'La Dame aux Camélias') was born. Dumas eventually recognized him, and father and son became famous writers - though very different ones.
Began his famous collaboration with Auguste Maquet and others. Dumas provided plots and imagination; collaborators provided research and drafts. The system produced hundreds of novels.
Published 'Les Trois Mousquetaires' in serial form. D'Artagnan, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis became immortal. The novel defined swashbuckling adventure for all time.
Began serializing 'Le Comte de Monte-Cristo,' his epic of imprisonment and revenge. Edmond Dantès's story captivated millions and remains one of the most popular novels ever written.
Built the extravagant Château de Monte-Cristo outside Paris. The fantasy mansion, with rooms named after his novels, consumed his fortune. Within two years he was bankrupt.
Declared bankruptcy. The château was sold. But Dumas kept writing, kept spending, kept living larger than life. Creditors were just another adventure.
Joined Garibaldi's campaign for Italian unification. Dumas supplied weapons, wrote propaganda, and even founded a newspaper in Naples. Politics was another adventure.
Alexandre Dumas died on December 5, 1870, at his son's house in Puys. He had spent everything, written everything, lived everything. In 2002, his remains were moved to the Panthéon.