The Count of Monte Cristo (Penguin Classics)
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Alexandre Dumas’s epic tale of suffering and retribution, inspired by a real-life case of wrongful imprisonment—nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read
Thrown in prison for a crime he has not committed, Edmond Dantes 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.
Robin Buss’s lively translation is complete and unabridged, and remains faithful to the style of Dumas’s original. This edition includes an introduction, explanatory notes, and suggestions for further reading.
Penguin Classics is the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world, representing a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
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Publisher : Penguin Classics; Reissue edition (May 27, 2003)
Language : English
Paperback : 1276 pages
ISBN-10 : 0140449264
ISBN-13 : 978-0140449266
Lexile measure : HL570L
Item Weight : 1.94 pounds
Dimensions : 8.5 x 5.43 x 3.05 inches
8 reviews for The Count of Monte Cristo (Penguin Classics)
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Original price was: $16.00.$9.11Current price is: $9.11.
Tricia Love –
Every Boy’s Dream
Who wouldn’t want to be The Count of Monte Cristo? A god-like creature, master of disguise, wealth beyond the dreams of avarice, extremely handsome, expert marksman, expert swordsman, philosopher, apothecary, highly moral, (carrying out God’s work of vengeance, not his own) unimpeachable manners, speaks many languages, can quote both Roman and Greek mythology and philosophers from Cicero to Plato, in fact is an expert on every subject under the sun, never lies and is never wrong. (p.1027) A perfect human being who loves young girls in a fatherly way, kisses his slave on her forehead, acted as guardian angel to 17 year old Valentine and go-between for her and her fiancé.I would not want to see the film of this book, no earthly creature could match up to the mysterious, romantic, mythical figure of The Count of Monte Cristo. Imagination is far far better. This wonderful man takes on all the various shapes and forms of his different disguises, he is so clever it takes your breath away. Oh, if only we could get away with that! Oh, if only we had half his skill to get back at our enemies the way he did. It makes one’s mouth water to think of it. Delicious!Men are turned on by this book because it is full of adventure, the ultimate “Boy’s Own” story. Women are turned on by it not only because it is thrilling but because it speaks to the fairy tale longing, (Cinderella) of finding the perfect man….. He doesn’t exist girls and boys, sad to say, it is just a fantasy.In the beginning, even though far fetched, (the escape from jail, the treasure) one goes along for the ride, but towards the end of the book Dumas gets a bit carried away. The fantasy good as it is becomes a bit hard to sustain, the magic cure-all drops, the murderous step-mother nobody suspects, the crippled grandfather blinking in Morse code, and then of course the almost Shakespearean ending of the star crossed lovers. All stretching the imagination to the limit, but loving it being stretched, and rejoicing in the thrilling ride.I enjoyed the book enormously and found it almost impossible to put down for all the same reasons everyone else did. It is so well written and the pace never stops. I particularly enjoyed the scene described when Albert and Franz came to watch the carnival with Monte Cristo and Franz asked The Count if he could obtain a window overlooking the Piazza del Popolo where there were to be two executions at the start of the festivities. The coolness with which Monte Cristo explains that the program has been changed, in a “tone of voice” Dumas says, “as though he were reading the personal column.” (p.383).”Hum! The first will be mazzolato, the second decapitato. Yes, this is what was originally intended, but I think that since yesterday there has been a change in the order and conduct of the ceremony. …….they were speaking of some kind of stay of execution to one of the two men…… That means you will be denied a guillotining but you still have the mazzolata, which is a very curious form of torture when you see it for the first time – or even the second; while the other, which in any case you know, is too simple, too unvaried. There is nothing unexpected in it. ….. Ah come now, don’t talk to me about Europeans where torture is concerned. They understand nothing about it. With them, cruelty is in its infancy – or perhaps its old age.”You can imagine this man with a sword in his hand, never flinching, nerves of steel!Read it to escape, it’s a ticket to a magic carpet ride. Be a little like Monsieur le Comte himself when he said “….chaque fois que je souhait je peux me séparer du reste du monde” ” ….whenever I wish I can separate myself from the rest of the world.” (p.314).Worth every one of its five stars. Another favorite book of mine which will certainly be read at least two or three times more whenever I feel like floating away…
Melissa ‘Dog/Wolf Lover’ –
♥ This book is so wonderful!! ♥
ALL THE FREAKING FEELS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I never in a million years would have thought I would love this book! I never thought I would like something like this book. I never thought I would fall in love with Dantes! I never thought I would have so much anger, sadness, despair and happiness in this book! I never thought, did I!*********SOME SPOILERS**********Edmond Dantes was a wonderful man of 19-years-old. He had a woman he loved and was going to marry named Mercedes. A loving father. And he was going to be captain of the wonderful ship, Pharaon.The the jealous b*stards or just b*stards in general ruined life for Dantes.1. Danglars2. Fernand3. VillefortI hate these men with such a passion I just wanted someone to kill their evil selves.All of the jerks had a hand in putting Dantes in prison for 14 effing years! Yeah! For what? For NOTHING!Dantes was in such despair he was going to starve himself to death. I can’t even!Then one night Dantes hears a scratching sound and soon realizes someone is tunneling. Dantes decides to tunnel as well. At some point the two of them tunnel to each other. Dantes gets to meet Abbe Faria, the mad man (so they say) in the cell next door. Abbe Faria thinks he’s tunneling out to freedom but he made a miscalculation. But Dantes and Abbe devise a new plan and this takes some years to do all of this tunneling. But the Abbe is old and sick and having seizures. He’s not going to be able to make it so Dantes waits with him. He is like another father figure to Dantes. And who in the hell but Dantes would wait and not leave his friend. Because Dantes is good and kind and loving.Abbe Faria is also the one that opens Dantes eyes to who the culprits were that put him in jail. Poor Dantes couldn’t see this at the time and he couldn’t read what we were reading so he had no clue. Abbe Faria also tells Dantes about tons of gold and jewels that he has hidden on the island of Monte Cristo. He makes Dantes remember everything about getting there and where to find the treasure.Unfortunately, Abbe Faria dies and it was so sad. Dantes was so grief stricken over his friend. Dantes decided to leave then as he had nothing else to stay for and he put himself in Abbe Faria’s place all wrapped up waiting to be buried. Well, he doesn’t actually get buried but thrown out to sea and luckily Dantes managed to save himself.We go on to read of the tale of how Dantes get to Monte Cristo and soon he is beyond rich and he is so smart and reading to get IT DONE!And Dantes doesn’t just run off and kill people. He’s smart. He tears down their houses, their world without them knowing who he is until the bitter end. And all of the riches they acquired while he rotted in jail was disgusting. Anyway, some people did die but that’s of little importance.Dantes is also kind to all of the people that were kind to him or tried to help him while he was in jail. He’s such a wonderful person. Yes, I know I keep saying that. He helps Morrel and his family when they were about to lose everything. They even lost the Pharaon but Dantes brings him a new one without Morrel even knowing where the ship came from. Dantes gave them money. He helped the family even after Morrel was gone. I cried and cried at his generosity.And to sit and read of all the plans and all of the people crumble.The only person to recognize Dantes, even with his disguises, was Mercedes. But she went and married freaking Fernand and had a kid. Dantes was friends with Mercedes son but things could never be good for them again. And it’s so, so sad for so many involved.Oh, and Dantes called himself “Sinbad the Sailor” and “The Count of Monte Cristo.” Of course I guess if you own a rock and gold and jewels and many other things, you can call yourself anything you want! :-)I can’t sit here and go on and on about the book. It’s freaking 1276 pages! I’m not that good of a reviewer to tell you something good about that many pages. Just know. . . THIS BOOK is freaking AWESOME! If you have been debating on reading it and afraid of it’s size, who cares, just read it. I mean you can take two months or however long to enjoy Dantes and his adventures, but don’t let the “tome” bother you. It’s not boring at all! NOT ONE BIT!I give it all the stars!Sail on dear, Dantes! ♥
ArthurW –
This is The Only Translation to Read
Bought for a friend (I already have my copy.) This (Robin Buss) translation is direct from the original, so it is complete. It is, in my opinion, the best novel ever written. Every other translation of this book I’ve seen is bowdlerised and uses incorrect words. E.g. “imperial” instead of “imperious.”This edition also has an interesting and useful glossary.
allan –
Half way through the book and I am thoroughly enjoying it.
John –
Excellent book with many good notes and commentaries. Thanks a lot for making it accessible to everyone.
Elizabeth C. –
This story is wonderful. A great read. Such a thick book. Penguin classics editions are always worth buying.Highly recommended for anyone who loves a story rich in adventure, emotion, and complexity.
Ms.H –
The cover is kinda bent over; it’s kinda annoying. But overall I like this edition and the font size is not too much small. Can’t wait to read it.
Raw Cooked Salmon –
The Count of Monte Cristo is a living legend of a book! The story is absolutely epic, filled with twists, revenge, and unforgettable characters. Alexandre Dumas weaves a tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat, exploring themes of betrayal, justice, and redemption. It’s a masterpiece that stands the test of time and remains a must-read for any lover of classic literature. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thrilling, unforgettable journey!