The Lady of the Camellias (Unabridged)

This is the hauntingly romantic story of Marguerite Gautier, a Parisian courtesan who falls in love with a young man of modest means. Set in the glittering mid-19th century of the French Empire, it evokes scenes of sumptuous feasts and riotous entertainments amid the swirling milieu of sophisticated Parisian society.

The story begins when the narrator, Armand Duval, tells how he met the beautiful young temptress at a theatrical performance. With determination Armand pursues the flirtatious Marguerite and manages to capture her heart...with tragic consequences for both.

Alexandre Dumas explores the twisted logic of two diametrically opposed lifestyles brought together in love, the impact on family and friends, and the internal stresses such an affair is bound to produce. With remarkable skill, Dumas takes us on a breathtaking tour of Paris at its sparkling height at the time of emperor Louis Napoleon.

When The Lady of the Camellias first appeared in 1847, it caused an immediate sensation. It went on to become one of the most popular French novels of all time. Almost immediately, it caught the eye of Giuseppe Verdi, who transformed this tragic love story into one of the most popular and famous operas ever written, La Traviata.

In the latter half of the century, The Lady of the Camellias took to the stage in a series of internationally successful productions. A stage version was being produced somewhere in the world almost continuously for over 50 years just prior to World War I. The book has also been adapted for film about 20 times, the most famous being Camille in the 1930s. Because of its timeless theme, La Dame aux Camelias will go right on capturing hearts for years to come. Settle back and let the story of Marguerite Gautier and Armand Duval sweep you away!