Count of Monte Cristo

Count of Monte Cristo

by Alexandre Dumas, Robin Buss (Translator, Introduction)
Publisher: Penguin Classics
1276 pages
Price: $16.00

Thrown in prison for a crime he has not committed, Edmond Dantès is confined to the grim fortress of If. There he learns of a great hoard of treasure hidden on the Isle of Monte Cristo and he becomes determined not only to escape, but also to unearth the treasure and use it to plot the destruction of the three men responsible for his incarceration. Dumas' epic tale of suffering and retribution, inspired by a real-life case of wrongful imprisonment, was a huge popular success when it was first serialized in the 1840s.

Robin Buss' lively translation is complete and unabridged, and remains faithful to the style of Dumas' original. This edition includes an introduction, explanatory notes and suggestions for further reading.

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Exodus Rating:
FLAWS: Fighting/violence
Summary: Edmond Dantès is falsely imprisoned, but escapes to become the mysterious Count of Monte Cristo, bound on revenge.

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  An Epic (in the Classic Sense)
Oliver of Washington, 1/12/2012
This book is definitely one of the better ones I've come across. The sweeping story, vivid characters and incredible plot, make it an essential part of every man's library. Much can be learned watching Edmond Dantes take vengeance into his own hands.
The paperback penguin copy is pretty nice, but if you aren't careful (like me) it can get beat up.
  A Fascinating Book!
HappyHomemaker of Oregon, 7/7/2011
I first read this book when I was 11, on a recommendation from my sister. The plot is so intricate and fascinating, I don't really know why anyone would want to read the abridged version!
In a nutshell, it is about Edmond Dantes, a man who i wrongfully imprisoned, and what he does to get revenge on the people responsible when he gets out. And he doesn't just kill them. He slowly brings their life of villainy to light, and lets the work of their hands destroy them. And yes, it is a little fun to see what one can do with unlimited wealth.
This is a great one to read and discuss the morality of his actions.