After he is thrown in prison on his wedding day for a crime he did not commit, Edmond Dantès learns that he was betrayed by his friends and becomes determined to get revenge. His ally, Abbé Faria, helps him escape and Dantès travels to the Isle of Monte Cristo to uncover the man's treasure. Assuming the identity of the Count of Monte Cristo, Dantès returns home and establishes relationships with those he knew in his past life, keeping their betrayal and his thirst for revenge, fresh in his mind.

The Count of Monte Cristo was inspired by Dumas' father's story of military service, betrayal, and family life as a man of mixed ethnicities. The Count of Monte Cristo has been adapted into several movies, television shows, plays, and literary adaptations, including sequels. It has also influenced many contemporary works such as V for Vendetta, Doctor Who, Star Trek, and The Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest.

HarperPerennial Classics brings great works of literature to life in digital format, upholding the highest standards in ebook production and celebrating reading in all its forms. Look for more titles in the HarperPerennial Classics collection to build your digital library.