Other editions of book Scaramouche: A Romance of the French Revolution

Beginning with its famous line, “He was born with a gift of laughter and a sense that the world was mad”, “Scaramouche” is the entertaining romantic adventure by Rafael Sabatini, the prolific Italian-English author. Set in the time of the French Revolution, this 1921 novel tells of the romantic adventures of André-Louis Moreau, a man who has never known the names of his parents. Educated as a lawyer and living with his godfather, André-Louis becomes drawn to the revolutionaries after his best friend is killed in a duel with the aristocratic Marquis de la Tour. Moreau gives stirring speeches to the rebels concerning wealthy men who are not brought to justice, which helps set the stage for the Revolution. When André-Louis is forced into hiding for his political involvement, he discovers his gifts for acting, playwriting, and fencing in a series of entertaining events. He is a true hero as he protects the people he cares for while seeking revenge in this courtly and transformative story. Readers will get caught up with André-Louis and his noble quest to honor his forgotten friend in this charming and entertaining adventure renowned for its accurate and satisfying sword fighting and historical details. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper.

Once he was Andre-Louis Moreau, a lawyer raised by nobility, unconcerned with the growing discontent among France's lower class - until his friend was mercilessly struck down by a member of the aristocracy. Now he is Scaramouche. Speaking out against the unjust French government, he takes refuge with a nomadic band of actors and assumes the role of the clown Scaramouche - a comic figure with a very serious message... Set during the French Revolution, this novel of swashbuckling romance is also a thought-provoking commentary on class, inequality, and the individual's role in society - a story that has become Rafael Sabatini's enduring legacy.

“Last Wednesday he had been engaged in moving an audience of Rennes to anger; on this Wednesday he was to move an audience of Guichen to mirth....” Once he was André-Louis Moreau, a lawyer raised by nobility, unconcerned with the growing discontent among France’s lower class—until his friend was mercilessly struck down by a member of the aristocracy. Now he is Scaramouche. Speaking out against the unjust French government, he takes refuge with a nomadic band of actors and assumes the role of the clown Scaramouche—a comic figure with a very serious message…. Set during the French Revolution, this novel of swashbuckling romance is also a thought-provoking commentary on class, inequality, and the individual’s role in society—a story that has become Rafael Sabatini’s enduring legacy. With an Introduction by Gary Hoppenstand

Scaramouche is a romantic adventure and it tells the story of a young lawyer during the French Revolution. In the course of his adventures he becomes an actor portraying "Scaramouche" (a roguish buffoon character in the commedia dell'arte). He also becomes a revolutionary, politician, and fencing-master, confounding his enemies with his powerful orations and swordsmanship. He is forced by circumstances to change sides several times.

With swordfights and romance, adventure and treachery set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, this is the book that made Sabatini famous. André-Louis Moreau has good prospects as a young lawyer, but an unfair duel with the ruthlessly cruel Count de La Tour d'Azyr leaves André-Louis's best friend dead and André-Louis himself a fugitive from the King's justice. While incognito, he becomes both a wildly popular actor and a firebrand of the Revolution. His vow to avenge his friend's murder leads him deeper into the political intrigues that surround the Revolution, and to a position of power. But there are secrets to be revealed that will stun all of Paris.One of the best historical romances of all time, Scaramouche was a bestseller upon its original publication in the U.S. in 1921.

Once he was AndrE-Louis Moreau, a lawyer raised by nobility, unconcerned with the growing discontent among France's lower class--until his friend was struck down by a member of the aristocracy. Now he is a rabble-rouser and revolutionary, running from the law but sworn to avenge the death of his friend. Taking refuge with a band of actors, he assumes the role of Scaramouche--a comic figure with a serious message--and hones his skill with the sword. Finally he returns to Paris, where the story builds to a conclusion as surprising as it is reasonable. Set during the French Revolution, this novel of swashbuckling romance is also a thought-provoking commentary on class, inequality, and the individual's role in society--a story that has become Rafael Sabatini's enduring legacy. Never will the reader forget the sardonic Scaramouche, who was "born with the gift of laughter and a sense that the world was mad."

Featuring an appendix of discussion questions, the Diversion Classics edition is ideal for use in book groups and classrooms. André-Louis Moreau, once a lawyer with a comfortable life, is spurred into action after the murder of his best friend at the hands of an aristocrat. Now, as Scaramouche, he speaks out against the French government the only way he can. Traveling with a band of actors, this comedic figure delivers blow after blow to the aristocracy, honing his message and bringing fame, fortune, and success to his small troupe. A thought-provoking commentary on class division and inequality, this swashbuckling adventure cements Rafael Sabatani’s work as absolutely vital to the literary canon.

When Andre-Louis witnesses the murder of his best friend by an arrogant aristocrat he swears to avenge his death. Forced to flee his hometown after stirring up revolutionary fervour in the citizens, he falls in with a travelling theatre company and disguises himself as the character of the wily rogue Scaramouche. His ensuing adventures involve hair-raising duels, romance, treachery and shocking family secrets.