La Reine Margot (Oxford World's Classics)

It's 1572 and in an effort to ease tensions between the Catholics and the Huguenots Henry III King of Navarre is married to Marguerite de Valois (Margot). Shortly after the marriage the Huguenots are slaughtered at the order of Charles IX and his mother Catherine de Medicis on Saint Bartholomew's Day. Catherine is also bent on destroying Henry as her astrologer has foretold that her three sons will die and Henry of Navarre will rule France through the Bourbon line. Margot's dashing lover La Mole and his compatriot Coconnas are our two heroes and their fates weave in and out of the lives of the French Court.Outside of that, this is really too difficult of a storyline to describe unless I wanted to write a book report and give it all away, and you know I don't do that. In typical Dumas fashion and flair La Reine Margot overflows with treachery, intrigue, hidden staircases and doors, poison, murder plots, gallant heroes and best of all - Catherine de Medici is the most deliciously over the top villainess I have come across in a long time. What fun! Despite a very difficult start trying to grasp the political complexities and characters, by the halfway mark I was rocking along and had a hard time keeping my nose out of it.While I loved it to bits, just be warned if you are new to Dumas this is probably not the book for you - the first few chapters will frustrate you so much you'll never want to try him again. I'd try The Count of Monte Cristo or The Three Musketeers first. The Oxford Classics addition has a very helpful forward and character notes in the back - but be careful reading too much or you'll pick up a nasty spoiler or two.

The infamous Saint Bartholomew Day Massacre is the historical backdrop for this wonderful story of love and death. Before I say more let me give a suggestion for obtaining an understanding of the character list which can be confusing to the reader. Even before starting the book, it is a good time to familiarize yourself with the four of ten children of Henry II and Catherine de Medici protrayed in the book. There are several Henrys Charles etc and you may get frustrated unless you iron it out. The Oxford Uni Press edition has a very help history character glossary and well as extensive footnotes. In my opinion, Oxford does the best treatment of Dumas.The characters in the book are a pleasure to get to know. Several of the protagonist have the same wit and flare as the three musketeers. The dialogue also pleases with its color, undertones, and maneuvering. Catherine de' Medici is a terrible villain complimented by other assassins and poisoners throughout the book. She reminds me of Dumas ability to bring out the worst in women as with Milady in three musketeers. However, at the same time he paints Margot as a lovely and delightful character in contrast. If you liked Viconte de Bragelonne or Louise de Valliere then I highly recommend.

I would like to respond to these people commenting on whether these Oxford edtions are abridged or not. I just picked up a copy of the Oxford-"Count of Monte Cristo". And yes, the editor, this David Coward owns to the fact that some of it is missing, he also mentions that chapters are REARRANGED!!!! Which I find mind blowing. Coward is a Brit who apparently is a scholar of French literature. I did not know La Reine Margot (Queen Margot) has some cuts too. This is a tad disappointing. I think it is a little funny how Oxford has resurrected all these old translations of Dumas' novels. The editions do not even say who the translator is. Or they are "anonymous". They are like old hardback editions you could find in a used bookstore. And they are from the nineteenth century. Going back to "The Count of Monte Cristo", I intend now to buy the Penguin version translated by Robin Buss; and see exactly what is what. Having faith the Penguin edition is a more complete edition.

If you do a little research you will see that there are--at most--30 to 40 pages missing from this edition. The idea that there is a 6 volume Marguerite de Valois/La Reine Margot is simply incorrect.It is however the first part of a cycle that goes something like this:La Reine MargotLa dame de MonsoreauLes Quarante-Cinq (The Forty Five or The Forty-Five Guardsmen)You can buy those other books through online used book sellers, or the reprint companies (amazon carries many of these title now) like Fredonia Press, Biblio Bazaar, etc. I don't expect Oxford to be publishing them though. Some of the titles may vary, which can be confusing. Don't get upset however, thinking this Oxford version is heavily abridged. Simply not the case.

Absolutely love this book. I am a huge fan of classic literature and Alexander Dumas is a staple in my library. I had read this novel in a different language and was eager to get a hold of an English copy. I'm glad I did. Excellent read!

Ranks right up there with The Three Musketeers

Such a small novel from Alexandre Dumas!Anyone who finds it difficult to get up while reading must not buy this book.

This is one of the best Dumas books and the French film is equally fantastic. It is the sort of book that you like to read again and again and I always watch the film at least once a year. Dumas at his best.

arrived on time and as described. could not ask for more.

Product in perfect conditions! Arrived earlier than expected which was great.The letters are small and very compact but not difficult to read.The only "bad" thing is that the explanatory notes are not well identify as in the book just use this sign *, while at the end they used numbers which makes it difficult to find the correct note.

I was ambivalent towards this book. It's nothing special. I guess if you like classical French literature you might like it. If not than I recommend you don't buy it.It's pretty easy to read, I am just not sure if it is worth reading.