A re-appraisal of the life and works of Dumas, the elder. The author attempts to rebut the critics of Dumas and to clarify the position of Dumas in French and world literature. The author had the benefit of assistance from Dumas's daughter-in-law. Contents: His Life and Character His Writings His Genius Appendices History and Fiction: A Comparison. Chronology of Dumas's Life Tabular Analysis of Dumas's Writings List of Books Consulted.