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Scaramouche (novel)

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Scaramouche is a historical novel by Rafael Sabatini, originally published in 1921 and subsequently adapted into a play by Barbara Field and into feature film versions in 1923 and 1952. It is a romantic adventure and follows the story of a young aristocrat during the French Revolution. His successive endeavors as a lawyer, politician, actor, lover, and buffoon lead his enemies to call him "Scaramouche" (the clown in the commedia dell'arte), but he impresses many with his his elegant orations and precision swordsmanship. This delightful classic overflows with memorable escapades. The later film version includes one of the best and one of the longest swashbuckling sword-fighting scenes ever filmed.

The novel has a memorable start: (BOOK I: THE ROBE, CHAPTER I, 'THE REPUBLICAN') "He was born with a gift of laughter and a sense that the world was mad. And that was all his patrimony. His very paternity was obscure, although the village of Gavrillac had long since dispelled the cloud of mystery that hung about it."

The rock group Queen refers to Scaramouche in its popular song, Bohemian Rhapsody.

The Democratic candidate for the 2004 US presidential election, Senator John Kerry, named his yacht Scaramouche.

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