Everyone always says that they’ll be D’Artagnan!

Alexandre Dumas, author of classic novels such as The Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers, died in Villers-Cotterets, Aisne, on 5 December 1870 – he was 68.

Here is a fascinating newspaper obituary of Dumas – that was published just 12 days after he died – and also a sketch of the great writer that was published in ‘The Graphic’ newspaper.

Tamworth Herald – Saturday 17 December 1870

Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000484/18701217/031/0003

The Graphic – Saturday 31 December 1870

Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000057/18701231/028/0016