Celebrated Crimes, Vol. 3: Mary Stuart (version 2)


Read by John Van Stan

(4.3 stars; 14 reviews)

The contents of these volumes of 'Celebrated Crimes', as well as the motives which led to their inception, are unique. They are a series of stories based upon historical records, from the pen of Alexandre Dumas, pere, when he was not "the elder," nor yet the author of D'Artagnan or Monte Cristo, but was a rising young dramatist and a lion in the literary set and world of fashion.

The third volume is devoted to the story of Mary Queen of Scots, another woman who suffered a violent death, and around whose name an endless controversy has waged. Dumas goes carefully into the dubious episodes of her stormy career, but does not allow these to blind his sympathy for her fate. Mary, it should be remembered, was closely allied to France by education and marriage, and the French never forgave Elizabeth the part she played in the tragedy. ( From the introduction)

(6 hr 24 min)

Chapters

Chapter 1 31:12 Read by John Van Stan
Chapter 2 28:37 Read by John Van Stan
Chapter 3 43:06 Read by John Van Stan
Chapter 4 10:42 Read by John Van Stan
Chapter 5, part 1 38:27 Read by John Van Stan
Chapter 5, part 2 43:08 Read by John Van Stan
Chapter 6 22:45 Read by John Van Stan
Chapter 7 46:10 Read by John Van Stan
Chapter 8 48:01 Read by John Van Stan
Chapter 9 56:05 Read by John Van Stan
Chapter 10 16:05 Read by John Van Stan

Reviews

GRIPPING NARRATIVE


(5 stars)

Perhaps not totally accurate, but close enough to illustrate the dilemma faced by Elizabeth and of Scotland. Mary Stuart will ever remain an enigma in history, and many ideas presented as factual are often mere rumors. What is certain is that no queen was ever treated more shamefully than was she. It is also certain that she brought much of her grief on herself. Many would say that she was too much of a woman to be a successful queen; this might be an appropriate epitaph. Marvelous read by Van Stan. as always.

Wonderfully read


(5 stars)

Whole story needs footnotes.. The letters especially. Real life tragedy. Alexander Dumas Sr. supported by a real reading public.. Vs. the current reading public.