London: Bruce and Wyld, 1846. First edition in English of Dumas’ masterpiece. Octavo, bound in full contemporary calf, gilt titles to the spine, marbled endpapers. Translated from the French by William Barrow. Barrow’s translation was the first of three English translations published in 1846 and is considered the most faithful to the original text. To conform to nineteenth century English standards other translations removed many of the explicit and implicit references to sexuality which adversely affected the readability of many scenes. In near fine condition. Set in the mid 17th century, Alexandre Dumas' masterpiece, The Three Musketeers, chronicles the adventures of the young, foolhardy, and brave d'Artagnan as he leaves his family in Gascony to join the Musketeers of the Guard in Paris. A military branch of the Royal Household of the French monarchy, the King's Musketeers furnished a company of light cavalry and formed the royal guard for the king while he was…