The Black Count is a non-fiction true tale that reads like an adventure novel…as well it might, for the protagonist is General Alex Dumas, father of Alexandre Dumas, author of such beloved tales as the Three Musketeers, the Count of  Monte Cristo, and many others.  The real life General Dumas was a biracial soldier in Revolutionary France.  Born the son of a nobleman, he nonetheless encountered discrimination due to his African heritage, until the French Revolution offered him opportunity to rise to the top of the military hierarchy, having many adventures along the way.  General Dumas rose from being an outsider in society to being a respected military officer and hero of the Revolution, only to lose his hard-won social position late in life due to a betrayal by none other than Napoleon!  An exciting and well-written biography in it’s own right, this book also shines a light on how his father’s struggles may have influenced the books of his famous novelist son, and the plight suffered by people of racially mixed heritage in 19th century Europe.  A great read for Black History Month….or any month of the year!