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The Count of Monte Cristo (Wordsworth Classics) [Paperback]

Alexandre Dumas (Author)
4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (147 customer reviews)
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Book Description

Publication Date: 20 Nov 1997 | Series: Wordsworth Classics

This Wordsworth Edition includes an exclusive Introduction and Notes by Keith Wren, University of Kent at Canterbury.

The story of Edmund Dantes, self-styled Count of Monte Cristo, is told with consummate skill. The victim of a miscarriage of justice, Dantes is fired by a desire for retribution and empowered by a stroke of providence. In his campaign of vengeance, he becomes an anonymous agent of fate. The sensational narrative of intrigue, betrayal, escape, and triumphant revenge moves at a cracking pace.

Dumas' novel presents a powerful conflict between good and evil embodied in an epic saga of rich diversity that is complicated by the hero's ultimate discomfort with the hubristic implication of his own actions.

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Product details

  • Paperback: 896 pages
  • Publisher: Wordsworth Editions Ltd; New Ed edition (20 Nov 1997)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1853267333
  • ISBN-13: 978-1853267338
  • Product Dimensions: 12.9 x 4.6 x 19.8 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (147 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 810 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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More About the Authors

Discover books, learn about writers, and more.
John Kennett
David Coward
Robin Buss
Steven Grant
Pauline Francis
Alexandre Dumas
Pat Boyette
Carrie Spiegle

Product Description

Review

"Dumas was... a summit of art. Nobody ever could, or did, or will improve upon Dumas's romances and plays." --George Bernard Shaw

"From the Paperback edition." --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Book Description

'Dumas is a master of ripping yarns full of fearless heroes, poisonous ladies and swashbuckling adventurers.' The Guardian --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
329 of 332 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Be careful which version you choose! 9 Nov 2006
By Scott
Format:Hardcover
Dumas' "Count of Monte Cristo" is the most exciting book I have ever read. It is the epitome of the perfect adventure novel and contains all of the traits that define the genre: jealousy, suspense, action, revenge, deceit, etc. At 1100+ pages, and the label as a "classic," many readers would be turned off at the task of reading such a book. Although the story is long and over 150 years old, it is truly "timeless." This does not read at all like the books you were forced to endure in 9th grade English, and is mostly as topical today as it was when it was penned.

That being said, reading the "wrong" version of this book can change the reader's experience for the worse. Amazon has combined all of the reviews for this book across the many different versions available, which can be very misleading. There are two things that affect the story, the translation, and the context.

I strongly encourage everyone to get the UNabridged version of this story. The abridged version cuts out more than half of Dumas' novel and while the story is still enjoyable, the reader misses out on many exciting chapters in the book. Do not let the length fool you. I found every bit of this book exciting, and never got bored.

Secondly, look for the Robin Buss Translation. Many of the versions of this book use a translation from 1846 (including the Modern Library and Oxford World's Classics editions) that, because of social restrictions at the time, altered some of the story, especially that dealing with sexuality. The Robin Buss translation is more faithful and restores this language, as well as making it an easier read for modern readers.
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Even Better Than The Film Thing 23 Mar 2003
By "maggismith"
Format:Paperback
I read "The Count of Monte Cristo" in approx. 10 days and, at the end, had sore red eyes because I did not blink while reading it. From the beginning to the very end I loved it.

It was originally written as a serialisation which is why it is lengthy and sustains interest from one chapter to the next and, therefore, to the very end.

Primarily, the story is about a man's revenge but it incorporates so many other things. It is about travel and adventure (which for a 19thC reader was intriguing, but is also for today's reader), disguise (and deception), morality (putting right an injustice and the consequences), romantic intrigue, religion (confession, forgiveness and Spada/Vatican riches), wealth and poverty, history and politics (Napoleon's escape from Elba, girondiste v jacobins), justice (courts and duelling/sword-fighting), social etiquette and graces (equipages, dress, being seen at the right soirees, etc.), disgrace (being made bankrupt), scandal (burying a live baby), and even some comedy (satire).

Overall, the prose moves along very easily, though there are occasions when some dialogue is just a bit too long. The translator of the book also explains that some of the dates can be inaccurate, which can make the reader occasionally lose the chronological thread, but it is minor in carrying the story along.

I recently visited Port Marly (France) to see Alexandre Dumas' home, which is named "Chateau de Monte Cristo" (Monte Cristo in reality being an Italian island in the Tyrrhenian Sea) and Chateau d'If, but found the locations of the novel much more interesting.

In the 800+page novel there are more twists and turns than the recent filmed version can begin to include.

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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A mesmerising tale of betrayal and revenge 17 Sep 2004
By Ad van der Rest
Format:Paperback
'The Count of Monte Cristo' was originally published in serial form in 1844/1845. It is a sizeable book, but don't be put off.

Edond Dante has it all. He is soon to become Captain of his ship, and marry the beautiful Mercedes. With all his good fortune, Dante becomes a victim to the jealousy of his so-called friends. An accusation of treason against Dante seals his fate, sending him to rot in the Island prison, the Chateau d'If. Dante plots escape and bloody revenge.

As it was published in serial form, this novel moves at a brisk pace. Of course this mammoth novel starts extremely badly for Edmond Dante. His desperation and suffering in the Chateau d'If makes his methodical revenge all the more satisfying. Don't be put off by the length, Dante's fall and rise is mesmerising. Yes, the early/mid-section in Rome is not as interesting as the rest of the novel, but it all has its place in the story, so the best approach is to stick with it and punch through that section. The second half of the book will more than reward your persistence.

The writing style is straight-forward to read, and because the novel has a serialised style, there is usually an interesting plot development in each chapter. The downfall of Dante's accusers is all the more fascinating because their fate is cleverly brought about through the flaws in their own personalities.

This book is well worth the time. A readable classic. Clearly five stars.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars Lengthy but good
A really good read, it is long and quite in depth at times but I still felt it was worth reading
Published 3 days ago by Gunner45
5.0 out of 5 stars Classic by all accounts
A fantastic story, a book I've always wanted to read and I'm so glad that I have. The Three Musketeers next?
Published 11 days ago by Bramhall Bairn
4.0 out of 5 stars Long haul
Don't think this is a light holiday read! I found I needed to read for a while to get involved,then I was captivated. Read more
Published 18 days ago by Mrs Penelope J Pullin
4.0 out of 5 stars The count of Monte Cristo
A classic not to be missed. A little far fetched in places and the shifting scenes can be confusing but it is a gripping tale throughout. Read more
Published 25 days ago by Eric O'Brien
5.0 out of 5 stars excellent book
Very good book I really enjoyed.When I finish the book I was really impressed.If you like books don't miss that one.
Published 26 days ago by ZHIVKO
4.0 out of 5 stars Good and not so good
Not a book i particularly wanted to read but boredom in work lead me to start it and i then stuck with it for months. Read more
Published 28 days ago by Lozza
3.0 out of 5 stars The Count of |Monte Cristo
I found the book too long. I enjoyed the first part including his incarceration in The Château D'if and his escape much more than the second part which recounts his revenge on... Read more
Published 28 days ago by Charles Hooker
5.0 out of 5 stars It's got everything!
I've read this book 5 or 6 times now, and I kid you not, it gets better each time. It's an epic story covering the lives of several characters, but what I especially like is the... Read more
Published 1 month ago by S. J. Hanrahan
3.0 out of 5 stars The Ciunt Of Monte Christo
I have read several different versions of this book and although this a good example, the story line differs, and a little disappointing.
Published 1 month ago by Jeanette Packer.
4.0 out of 5 stars the count of monte cristo
A little long and rambling at times but despite that a good read and a definite page turner worth the money
Published 1 month ago by k.w.burroughs
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