The Three Musketeers

Set in France in the 1620s, this novel follows d'Artagnan, a poor young Gascon who travels to Paris hoping to become a musketeer of the king's guard. He quickly makes enemies, then befriends three inseparable soldiers, Athos, Porthos and Aramis. Together they are drawn into court intrigue involving the queen, the powerful Cardinal Richelieu and a dangerous woman with secrets.

Lively, funny and full of swordplay, the book celebrates loyalty and courage while also showing the costs of ambition and revenge. It is a landmark of historical adventure fiction.