5 Things You Might Not Know About Alexandre Dumas

On 24th July 1802 Dumas Davy de la Pailleterie, better known today as Alexandre Dumas was born in Picardy, France. The youngest of three children, and the only boy he was educated at military school and would go on to become one of the greatest writers of the day. His novels have been translated into over one hundred languages and today he is one of the most widely read French authors of all time.

Today, we’re filling in the gaps on his life, with five things you might not know about Alexandre Dumas and the books he wrote.

Alexandre Dumas’ is of Mixed Parentage

The fact that Alexandre Dumas is a writer of colour is one of the most understated facts about the author. His father, General Thomas-Alexandre Davy de la Pailleterie, was born in the French colony of Saint-Domingue (present-day Haiti) to a French nobleman and an enslaved African woman.

Alexandre Dumas Shares Eternity with Victor Hugo

We know they are both French authors, but did you know that Dumas shares a crypt at the Pantheon with Victor Hugo, and Emile Zola? I bet that’s some party in the afterlife!

In the picture you can see Dumas’ tomb dead ahead, Hugo to the left of the picture and Zola to the right.

Dumas’ Father Served as Inspiration for the Count of Monte Cristo

Dumas’ father was seen to live a heroic life (though modern day morals may not agree). Born in the French colony of Saint Domingue (Haiti) to an enslaved African mother, Thomas Alexandre Dumas followed his nobleman father back to France for a formal education and military enlistment. He went on to seize a position as a general and still today holds the distinction of being the highest-ranking person of colour in a Continental European Army.

The Count of Monte Cristo was Published with its Title Mispelled

When The Count of Monte Cristo was originally published, and through to the 1850s the title contained a misspelling with the title spelled The Count of Monte Christo. In 1846 a correction was made but it would take until 1860 until circulation of correctly spelled copies outstripped the erroneous ones. Should you have a misspelled copy, we recommend you get it appraised!

Early versions of the book also delete scenes of the characters intimate homosexual relationship. It was take 150 years and an English translation before it would showcase these scenes including one featuring the pair lying in bed together.

Alexandre Dumas Might be Your Granddad

Though married, Dumas followed the tradition of the French higher class, having numerous affairs during his life. It’s thought that he may have had as many as forty affairs and with that many illegitimate children (at least seven documented). With that in mind, Dumas may have many natural descendents who are unaware of their connection with the author, and so he might be your granddad!

There’s a thought!