The Black Count
By Tom Reiss
- Release Date: 2012-09-18
- Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
Description
PULITZER PRIZE WINNER • NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A “richly imagined biography” (The New York Times Book Review) of General Alex Dumas, who rose from slavery to command vast armies in the French Revolutionary Wars—and whose exploits were immortalized in his son’s novels The Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers
“Fascinating [and] entertaining.”—The Wall Street Journal
“Remarkable.”—The Boston Globe
“A truly amazing story.”—NPR
A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: Time, The New Republic, NPR, Salon, Essence
General Alex Dumas is a man almost unknown today, yet his story is strikingly familiar—because his son, the novelist Alexandre Dumas, used his larger-than-life feats as inspiration for such classics as The Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers.
But hidden behind General Dumas’s swashbuckling adventures was an even more incredible secret: he was the son of a black slave—who rose higher in the white world than any man of his race would before our own time. Born in Saint-Domingue (now Haiti), Alex Dumas made his way to Paris, where he rose to command armies of more than 50,000 men at the height of the Revolution.
No matter how high he soared, Dumas continued to live by his blade and his boldness in the face of overwhelming odds. Yet, because of his unwavering principles, he ultimately became a threat to Napoleon himself.
Time magazine called The Black Count “one of those quintessentially human stories of strength and courage that sheds light on the historical moment that made it possible.” It is also a window into the modern world’s first multiracial society and a heartbreaking story of the enduring bonds of love between a father and son.
FINALIST FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD
Reviews
Awesome Book
5By PharaohXIIIA great book about an inspirational hero scrubbed from history. The obstacles he faces in the late 1700s to early 1800s are so similar to Blacks who have risen to high achievement in today's time. He was able to take advantage of opportunities so few like him had in order to achieve remarkable feats by anyone's standards. As with the familiarity of the obstacles he faced in his rise to prominence, his later demise and whitewashing of his achievements are unfortunately familiar as well. The book also cover some Haitian and French history to set the environment for the time period.The black count
5By Ann e vIn general, a wonderfully readable account of post revolutionary France and its acceptance of racial equality, however temporary. Specifically, a richly detailed account of an honorable and proud man caught up in events that overturn his life with unethical beaurocracy. A carefully researched window into a time period most often romanticized. That his son survived and thrived, using the memories of his father to immortalize him, assuage the family honor, and in addition, make a great name for himself was a coup d'état.The Black Count by Tom Reiss
5By AverageEverydayJoeOne of the best books I have ever read .Brilliantly written , the author weaves together history, biography, and culture and takes what we in the United States call "the civil rights movement " to the international level . Tom Reiss here exposes the white-wash of their own history by the very people who may be most responsible for the white-washing of African history as it relates to ancient Egypt . The colonial powers from outside of Africa to this day seem to cling to having a vested interest in suppressing what we are forced to call Black History . Finally this book the reveals the fire of freedom that that once lit ,can spread fiercely across national borders and racial lines and barriers , that can be co-opted and betrayed and yet still burn in men's hearts . Should be required reading by any historian.Fantastic Read
5By FlakygirlWhat a great book from Tom Reiss! The story of Gen. Alex Dumas is finally brought to life after being shuttered away for so long and forgotten. Reiss obviously did so much research not only into Dumas life and circumstances, but to the 18th century society in which Dumas thrived. A life and story such as this shouldn't be forgotten. Reiss' writing style is very conversational educating the reader as to the beliefs, norms and politics of the day so one has a clear understanding of how and why Dumas life is so enthralling. Dumas was an 18th century action hero, and a somewhat of an unconventional one. I can't see how this won't be made into a movie! It has everything; a strong leading man, love, betrayal and war. In fact it could be a story written by the General's son, the author Alexandre Dumas.
