Alexandre Dumas's "The Three Musketeers," published in 1844, is a historical adventure novel co-authored with Auguste Maquet. It chronicles the exploits of d'Artagnan, a young Gascon who journeys to Paris to join the King's Musketeers. Though initially unable to join the elite guard, he befriends the formidable trio of Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. The narrative unfolds between 1625 and 1628, detailing their involvement in significant political machinations and courtly affairs, often opposing Cardinal Richelieu and his agents, such as Milady de Winter.

The novel is set against the backdrop of the Ancien Régime, highlighting injustices and political tensions prevalent in France during the July Monarchy. Dumas's storytelling, influenced by historical research and a collaborative process with Maquet, presents a swashbuckling tale of heroism, loyalty, and intrigue. "The Three Musketeers" was first serialized and is part of a larger series of d'Artagnan Romances.

Alexandre Dumas presented "The Three Musketeers" as a narrative pieced together from discovered manuscripts, adding a dramatic flair to its genesis. He drew inspiration from Gatien de Courtilz de Sandras's "Mémoires de Monsieur d'Artagnan," specifically an anecdote about d'Artagnan's initial encounter with Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. While Dumas's account of finding these sources is embellished, the core inspiration stemmed from historical accounts. The novel was a significant collaboration with Auguste Maquet, who conducted historical research, suggested plot outlines, and contributed to the development of its sequels and "The Count of Monte Cristo." Dumas then refined these elements, infusing the story with his distinctive style and characterizations.

The story follows d'Artagnan's arrival in Paris and his subsequent entanglement with the Musketeers, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. Their adventures are driven by conflicts with Cardinal Richelieu and his operatives, notably Milady de Winter, and involve protecting Queen Anne of France's honor and thwarting political schemes. The narrative is rich with duels, chases, and espionage, set against the backdrop of the French court. Dumas incorporates themes of loyalty, honor, and justice, while also subtly critiquing the abuses and absurdities of the French monarchy, lending the adventure novel a political dimension relevant to the era's societal debates.

“"the three musketeers" or "the three inseparables"”

“Now, this is the first part of this precious manuscript which we offer to our readers, restoring it to the title which belongs to it, and entering into an engagement that if (of which we have no doubt) this first part should obtain the success it merits, we will publish the second immediately.”

“In the meanwhile, since godfathers are second fathers, as it were, we beg the reader to lay to our account and not to that of the Comte de la Fère, the pleasure or the ennui he may experience.”

“This being understood, let us proceed with our story.”