Episode 1
4 Extra Debut. Biography of the father of French novelist Alexandre Dumas whose life of derring-do is captured in his son's novels. Read by Hugh Quarshie. From November 2012.
In his new biography Tom Reiss reveals that Alexandre Dumas' father led a life of derring-do that is captured in his son's novels, The Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers. Born to a French nobleman, and a black slave in the colonies, the writer's father went on to rise rapidly through the ranks to become a general in the French army. General Alex Dumas' acts of heroism were met with great acclaim, but events conspired against him leading to an irrevocable reversal of fortune.
Read by Hugh Quarshie who appears regularly in BBC One's Holby City.
Abridged by Richard Hamilton.
Produced by Elizabeth Allard.
Last on
More episodes
Previous
You are at the first episode
Broadcasts
Mon 26 Nov 201209:45BBC Radio 4 FM- Tue 27 Nov 201200:30BBC Radio 4
- Mon 20 Nov 201714:45BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Tue 21 Nov 201702:45BBC Radio 4 Extra
Listen to more Audio Books
Including My Sister The Serial Killer, Queenie, The Flatshare and more.
Opening Lines
John Yorke unpacks the themes behind the stories in Radio 4's weekend afternoon dramas.
Sample our books and authors Clip Collection
Interviews, previews and reviews
Subscribe to the Short stories podcast
Featuring the best stories from the UK's finest writers
How many of these 100 Novels have you read?
After a passionate debate, our panel has come up with this surprising literary selection.
Finding Your Story
Ten remarkable novels about identity: Which one will help you discover yourself?
BBC Arts: Books
Celebrating reading and the 100 novels that have shaped our world.
