Le capitaine Fracasse

"Le capitaine Fracasse" by Théophile Gautier is a swashbuckling novel published in 1863. The story follows the impoverished Baron de Sigognac, who lives in his crumbling manor until he falls for Isabelle, a young actress. He joins her theater troupe and adopts the stage name "Captain Fracasse." When a ruthless duke becomes his rival for Isabelle's affections, Sigognac must face duels, assassins, and a kidnapping to protect the woman he loves.