The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

Originally serialized from 1844 to 1846 and regarded by Wikipedia as a classic of both French and world literature, Alexandre Dumas's The Count of Monte Cristo remains one of the most enduring adventure novels ever written — and Robin Buss's Penguin Classics translation brings it to modern English readers in a complete, scholarly edition. The novel follows Edmond Dantès from false imprisonment in the Château d'If through his transformation into the wealthy, enigmatic Count of Monte Cristo and his calculated campaign of revenge against the three men who destroyed his life. At over 1,300 pages, it is a commitment, but one whose scope matches the ambition of its themes: hope, justice, vengeance, mercy, and forgiveness.

Reviewed Mar 16, 2026