All Episodes

January 20, 2025 6 mins

🌊 Summary: The Pharaon makes its slow, solemn approach to Marseille’s port on February 24, 1815, fresh from its journey through Smyrna, Trieste, and Naples. While expertly handled, the ship’s demeanor stirs unease in the crowd of onlookers. One man’s instinct drives him to row out to meet the vessel—a hometown hero’s return tinged with mystery.

📚 What Happens:

  • The Pharaon, a three-masted ship, arrives at Marseille, becoming the city’s center of attention.
  • Its slow approach sparks unease, despite its flawless handling.
  • A spectator, unable to wait, rows out to meet the ship as it nears La Réserve basin.

💡 Thoughts & Reflections:

  • The spectacle of a ship’s return feels like a hometown celebration—but with a twist of foreboding.
  • The unsettling vibes here reminded me of those moments when you just know something is off. (Think pre-disaster vibes, though luckily, no explosions here!)
  • Personal confession: this project is already testing my limits. Between wrestling with phonetic pronunciations and my Midwestern roots, my lack of linguistic finesse is shining bright.

📖 Tidbits:

  • Three-Master Ship: With three masts and multiple sails, ships like the Pharaon were the workhorses of maritime trade in the 19th century.
  • Marseille’s Pride: The bustling port and La Canebière were Marseille’s lifeblood, bringing together commerce, spectacle, and seafaring tradition.

✨ Support the Show: Love what you’re hearing? Help keep this absurd journey afloat! Subscribe to my Patreon at @landencelano or support our growing podcast network at @gruntworkpod.

🎧 Let’s dive into this epic tale together—one passage at a time.

SEO Keywords: The Count of Monte Cristo, Chapter 1 summary, Alexandre Dumas, three-masted ships, Marseille history, literary podcast, The Pharaon arrival, 19th-century France, ship handling, slow-burn mysteries

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
Ruthie's Table 4

Ruthie's Table 4

For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.