The Count of Monte Cristo (Bantam Classics) [Hi8] [Paperback]

Alexandre Dumas (Author)

Book Description

Release date: December 1, 1984 | Series: Bantam Classics

Set against the turbulent years of the Napoleonic  era, Alexandre Dumas's thrilling adventure story  is one of the most widely read romantic novels of  all time. In it the dashing young hero, Edmond  Dantès, is betrayed by his enemies and thrown  into a secret dungeon in the Chateau d'If -- doomed  to spend his life in a dank prison cell. The story  of his long, intolerable years in captivity, his  miraculous escape, and his carefully wrought  revenge creates a dramatic tale of mystery and intrigue  and paints a vision of France -- a dazzling,  dueling, exuberant France -- that has become immortal.  

Editorial Reviews

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 Publisher

Set against the turbulent years of the Napoleonic era, Alexandre Dumas's thrilling adventure story is one of the most widely read romantic novels of all time. In it the dashing young hero, Edmond Dantès, is betrayed by his enemies and thrown into a secret dungeon in the Chateau d'If -- doomed to spend his life in a dank prison cell. The story of his long, intolerable years in captivity, his miraculous escape, and his carefully wrought revenge creates a dramatic tale of mystery and intrigue and paints a vision of France -- a dazzling, dueling, exuberant France -- that has become immortal.

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

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 544 pages
• Publisher: Bantam Classics (December 1, 1984)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553213504
• ISBN-13: 978-0553213508
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 0.9 x 6.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (39 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,680 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Well Done Abridgment May 27, 2009

By J. Wheeler

Format:Paperback

I can't tell you the number of times that I have read The Count of Monte Cristo. I have studied several translations and many abridgments. Although nothing is a truly adequate substitution for the unabridged version, this the by far the best that I have read. The story flows nicely, and unlike some abridgments, there is not the feeling of having missed something. The major details and plot lines are all present, and the characters are as genuine as in the unabridged versions. I would highly recommend this abridgment over the others on the market.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A classic story told in a nice edit April 9, 2012

By PH

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I sought out the Bantam Classic version of Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo as I feel it is presented in an easy to read format. The book allows many areas for note taking and highlighting. I would recommend this version of the classic to any High School or College Student who is studying this work. I also recommend Dumas' story as it is a great tale.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars The Count of Monte Cristo (Tor Edition) December 27, 2007

By G. Richmond

Format:Kindle Edition

I purchased the Tor Edition Count of Monte Cristo for the Kindle. I have always enjoyed this novel because of it's wonderfully involved plot and characters. I was disappointed in Tor Edition. This is an abridged version with much of the flavor of the original edited out. I read several chapters and found myself missing much of the writing that connects the story's plot lines and makes the story coherent. Rather than continuing with this edition, I found a more complete, possibly unabridged, edition also for the Kindle.

I would not recommend the Tor Edition of the Count of Monte Cristo but recommend to anyone wanting an excellent winter read to find an unabridged version and settle in for a great time.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars So Much More Than an Assignment August 6, 2004

A Kid's Review

Format:Mass Market Paperback

This book was a summer reading assignment for ninth grade Pre-AP English I, and I expected naught but a monotonous, wordy, dusty "classic." However, when I finally began to read, I was suddenly entranced by the well-woven plot. A variety of feelings are portrayed through the dialogue. The story was very adventurous, romantic and so highly unbelievable. I did not want it to end, and so I read it again immediately. I highly recommend this book, even to those who usually reject classics.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Translation/Abridgement of Splendid Classic May 26, 2004

By ramlo

Format:Paperback

Unlike the previous reviewer, I am a fan of this version. I've read other translations, abridgements and the full version of the novel, but this is my favorite. When I get to teach the story, this is the version I choose. It has the main plot elements and major characters, but leaves out much of the cluttering, distracting detail.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous Book, Lousy Copy April 23, 2004

By T. Martin

Format:Paperback

Not a bad translation, but AVOID AT ALL COSTS

This is an abridged version, and as such a waste and a slap in the face to the author's original vision.

I'm doubly upset because I didnt notice this was abridged till I already bought it, and was already 200 pages into it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb! Dumas� brilliance shines on� December 17, 2001

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

Dumas' classic paints an engrossing tale of love, treachery, and revenge. This superb book begins quickly, drawing you in to the world of Edmond Dantès, a world sacrificed for another's ambition. While he spent years in a forgotten cell, his lust for vengeance grew. When he finally escaped, he carefully and patiently exacted his perfect revenge.
This book has many good qualities, some almost too good. Dumas created a fascinating, enthralling plot, complete in every detail. However, there were times when the plot became too detailed, and forced me to slow down and think about what went on. Also, the pace of the book is perfect: as the action unfolds, the book reads quickly, but then slows down again to give importance to the time Dantès takes in his quest. For all this, Dumas' masterpiece ranks as one of my all-time favorite books, one I would recommend to anyone.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Page Turner August 26, 2006

By MoJo

Format:Paperback

We bought this book for my son's required reading in school, but my husband and I also read it on his recommendation. Our son is only 14 and he loved the book, and he is NOT a big reader. Even though the book is over 500 pages, he couldn't put the book down, nor could we.