Book Description
Translated with an Introduction by Robin Buss
Customer Reviews:
A superb translation.......2007-09-22
I bought this edition after buying, by mistake, a beautiful hardbound abridged edition. This one was reputed to have the best translation. It's a dauntingly long novel, though, and at my snail's pace of reading 4-5 pages per night before I start falling asleep I'm about 3/4 the way through after 4 months! But if you're gonna read this story, I believe only the full length version will give you the scope of Dumas' writing. having a little knowledge of French is a help with this as there are many references in his vernacular. This translation comes with an excellent body of endnotes that further helps getting the fine points. Highly recommended!
The evolution from innocence to responsibility........2007-09-18
It seems odd to me that many people who enjoyed this book seem to feel apologetic, making claims that they enjoy The Count of Monte Cristo despite the fact that it is not great literature and lacks depth. They claim that it's main value is merely as a very well written adventure story. I beg to defer and believe that this great novel is packed with meaning and delves into the very heart of what a man must go through in his hearts if he is to leave his childhood innocence behind.
Edmund Dantes starts out as an honorable character and his manhood has already been established in certain ways: he's responsible, he's good, he's ambitious and readily handles unforeseen challenges. There is one area, however, where Edmund Dantes is severely lacking, someplace I believe many good men are lacking, he believes all men reflect his inherent goodness. He believes that despite some annoying quirks, that generally other men are not evil. In the words of Shakespeare Dantes' "...nature is so far from doing harms, that he suspects none..."
In the course of the story Dantes learns the hard way that fortune can quickly vanish by the deeds of evil men and he is forced to deal with the world not by being more nice but by going beyond those who conspire to destroy him and master the course of his own destiny regardless of other peoples plans.
The symbolism throughout the novel is impressive but I believe many people miss it simply because it is such a pleasure to read. I guess for something to be considered great literature it needs to be a bit more boring.
Anyway, I certainly don't want to bore you with a long winded review, so if you want to be entertained then I suggest you start reading The Count of Monte Cristo. One more thing, I've read various translations and this version by Robin Buss is probably the one I enjoyed the most. It's a smooth, natural style but doesn't try to over simplify. Just my two cents.
thirsty for revenge?.......2007-09-18
This is one of the best classics! It is a story about how jealous people can falsely accuse another of things, which eventually messes up that person's life forever (no turning back... he has to keep going forward and survive everyday). The book revolves around ideas of revenge and love.
Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03
Daring escapes and dashing swordplay. More fun than at least three
quarters of a barrel of monkeys. A monomaniacal revenge fantasy on one
level, and a swashbuckling story on another. Wrongly imprisoned, a man
eventually escapes and sets out to bring wrack and ruin upon those who
wronged him. This, of course, does not come without a price, in the
end. While I prefer my musketeers, this is pretty good.
Great Translation of a Great Book.......2007-08-31
This is a modern translation of Dumas' greatest book in my opinion. The translator gives good background on the translation, life of Dumas and great footnotes explaining both history of the period and cultural aspects not common knowledge today. This adds greatly to the enjoyment and understanding of the story.
I recommend that anyone interested in reading The Count of Monte Cristo not be scared away by the length of the book and purchase an abridged version. The amount deleted results in a disconnected and not nearly as interesting story. I read an abridged version mistakingly bought before purchasing this one and knowing the story from a previous reading was dismayed at the amount which was eliminated. Buy the unabridged and enjoy Dumas' tale of betrayal and vengeance in all its brilliance.
Average customer rating:
- Count of Monte Cristo - Bantam Books
- Exciting Story!!
- Great story. Bad Modern Library translation
- Epic. Masterpiece. Classic!
- The Count of Monte Cristo
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The Count of Monte Cristo (Bantam Classics)
Alexandre Dumas
Manufacturer: Bantam Classics
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The Three Musketeers (Signet Classics)
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The Count of Monte Cristo (Cliffs Notes)
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The Man in the Iron Mask (Oxford World's Classics)
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A Tale of Two Cities (Bantam Classic)
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Les Miserables (Modern Library)
ASIN: 0553213504
Release Date: 1984-12-01 |
Book Description
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.
Customer Reviews:
Count of Monte Cristo - Bantam Books.......2007-05-18
This book was specifically required by my daughter's 8th grade English teacher, in the version obtained from Amazon. The ability to confirm this was the right edition and have it quickly was the main reason for purchasing this from Amazon.
The story itself is excellent and the print version is very readable and portable. I'd recommend this version of the story to all readers.
Exciting Story!!.......2007-02-16
This is one of only two novels that I was forced to read for school and actually ENJOYED! A definite page-turner! You won't be able to stop reading it!
Great story. Bad Modern Library translation.......2007-02-02
The Count of Monte Cristo is a great read and one of the first "modern" epic adventure novels. Dumas' style is years ahead of his contemporaries. But you wouldn't know this from reading the Modern Library edition because its poor translation gets in the way of both the story and the storytelling. The translator - who is not acknowledged (you won't find his or her name anywhere) - chooses words poorly, punctuates badly, and uses English words that while literally correct are either archaic or inappropriate in context. (For example, using the word "bullet" for "cannon ball.") Alexandre Dumas is well worth reading and I recommend the Count of Monte Cristo to everyone, but choose another version. Most Modern Library editions are exceptional; this one is an exception.
Epic. Masterpiece. Classic!.......2007-01-30
Yesterday at 1:00 in the morning I finished The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas who also wrote The Three Musketeers, and I have to say "WOW". It is a book packed with themes such as betrayal, imprisonment, revenge, romance, history, drama, mercy, and ultimately forgiveness. It is a novel about a man named Edmond Dantes who has a good life up until people he thought were his friends betray him and end up taking away everything he holds dear to him: His wife to be (Mercedes) is stripped from him on his arrest for false conviction for being an agent of Napolean, this causing his father to die of grief and hunger. With the help of Abbe Faria, a former prisoner, teaches Dantes the ways of the world. He escapes one faithful night from the prison known as the Chateau D'If, finds the island of Monte Cristo with the treasure Faria spoke of and tracks down and punishes those who have wronged him under the avenging angel persona: "The Count of Monte Cristo". After reading the full Unabridged novel I could see why people loved the book so much for it's rich detail and lush writing in politics and French history to undertone the great revenge of Edmond Dantes. The way in which Dantes carries out his vengeance is cold and swift; whatever they did to make him suffer he launches twice back at them. Dantes also finds romance from the girl Haydee who is the long lost princess of the Pacha Ali Tebelen of whom he rescued from a sultan after her parents' deaths. It was nice to see the count get a beautiful girl and find happiness again for the very reason his Mercedes was stolen from him by his enemy, Fernand Mondego. I don't want to ruin it for you so just go and read the darn book. If you are interested in reading the unabridged version (Which I recommend you do and not some stupid abridged edition) get the Modern Library hardcover like I did. It is a 1,462 page book and the longest novel I've ever read in my life, but it moves along at a fast, steady pace. Thats all I can say is if Alexandre Dumas was able to construct this huge genius book with great characters and a great plot all back in 1844, he must certainly have been ahead of his time along with his book. A beautiful piece of literary art and probably the only classic I've been able to read all the way through. Definitely one of my favorite books!
The Count of Monte Cristo.......2007-01-09
Do you want to read an exciting book? Then the Count of Monte Cristo is the book for you. The Count of Monte Cristo is a very good book. It is a fiction adventure book about a man named Edmond Dantes who lived in Marseilles in the 1800s. In it Edmond is accused of being a Bonaparist and had to go to jail for fourteen years until he ecscapes and bec omes wealthy. He then set out for revenge. I like this book because it is very exciting and has lots of details that a lot of other authors would have kept out. I also like it because it is told in lots of points of view. Like one moment it is telling about Edmond and the other it is telling about Albert and Mercedes {characters in the book}. I recommend this book because it is very thrilling and ends in a wasy that makes you want to know what happens to all the characters in it.
Book Description
After spending years in prison after being framed, Edmond escapes, transforms himself into the Count of Monte Cristo, and plans revenge against those who imprisoned him.
Customer Reviews:
The Count of Monte Cristo -unabridged.......2007-03-11
I am a full time adult college student. I had to read this 1,200+ page book for a class. I had three weeks to read the book and do a report. The audio version (unabridged) was a life saver. I was able to study in the car, while cooking, or during household chores. The pronunciation of the French names were clearer to me than if I would have read them. I followed along in the book when I could. My teenagers even enjoyed the classic while driving.
Book Description
This enduringly popular tale of love and revenge in the post-Napoleonic era follows Edmond Dantes as he prepares to captain his own ship and marry his beloved Mercedes. But on his wedding day, he is betrayed by spiteful enemies and arrested on trumped-up charges. Condemned to lifelong imprisonment, he befriends Faria, a priest and fellow inmate with an escape plan. When Faria dies, Edmond escapes alone. Free at last, and incredibly wealthy, Edmond enters society posing as the Count of Monte Cristo to reclaim his lost love and enact a terrible vengeance on his accusers.
Customer Reviews:
Pay attention.......2007-05-21
This book clearly states that it is abridged on the back cover. Do your research folks. This version is still enjoyable but the unabridged version is superior.
Abridged.......2006-09-25
While it doesn't indicate it, this is a heavily abridged version of the story, and pretty much just deals with the elements contained in the 2002 film. It's still a good story, but gets 2 stars for not indicating that it's abridged, and because even at 1400 pages, the full unedited story by Dumas is MUCH richer and makes for a much more satisfying story. Do not cheat yourself of that satisfaction by settling for 1/3 of the story.
Of revenge and redemption.......2006-01-10
The Count of Monte Cristo was a Superhero long before Superheros were cool.
A 19th-century cross between James Bond, Batman, Zoro, and Dirty Harry, the title character is a seemingly all powerful and all knowing master of all trades, whether languages, art, chemistry, disguise, psychology, philosophy, theology, international relations, literature, protocol, diplomacy, or combat. But he is also deeply conflicted and brooding man who builds his life around a dramatic quest for revenge against the men who ruined him early in his life, but who along the way darkly questions his decisions and motives.
As a young man, Edmond Dante had the perfect life: a beautiful fiance, a promising career, and dedicated friends. But the jealously of a few people around him combined with some unfortunate circumstances, ruined him, and he ended up jailed for life on the harrowing island prison Château d'lf. After an apprenticeship with learned co-prisoner Abbé Faria, Dantès makes a daring escape from Château d'lf, finds millions the then-dead Faria had hidden away, and then changes his name -- Monte Cristo is the name of the fictional island where Faria's treasure was hidden -- and begins his epic quest for vengeance.
It is not inaccurate to look at The Count of Monte Cristo as a novel about revenge, but it is much more than that. It is a story about love and anguish, about sin and redemption, and about light and darkness. It is also an extraordinarily captivating read, the rare example of important historical literature that is also a good fit for reading on the beach or during airport layovers, and an appropriate read for anyone in his or her early teens and onward into old age.
The book is also a great conversation piece: while I was reading it, at least half a dozen people stopped me to ask what I thought of the story, often with nostalgic and wistful looks in their eyes.
There are some flaws to The Count of Monte Cristo that are common with 19th-century literature: a complicated cast of characters, for example, means the reader must keep up with many names and relationships. And the reader must also employ a willing suspension of disbelief, not only to accept that the protagonist can rise from such humble origins to become so good at everything he does (this is the case with almost all Superhero stories), but also in order to believe that the cast of nefarious enemies in mostly modest circumstances who wronged him at the start somehow rose to become the wealthiest and most powerful group in early 19th century Paris. The neat ending in which no evil-doer is left unpunished and almost no worthwhile personage is not left standing seems too neat and pat, even by today's Hollywood standards. But are these really flaws in the book or of the times?
I choose to think it's the latter, which is why I believe this dark and fascinating story is so important and worthwhile, a real thriller that puts modern representatives of the genre to shame.
nick's review.......2004-11-11
The count of monte cristo is not a ordinary book to read.
Its a very understanding, basic book to read to me and
hopefully for you to. The main things that i like about
this book is in the book their is a character called Edmond
that go's to jail for 16 years becasue he was offerd a job
from a agent that gave him a letter to deleiver to a friend of his that was not to be told to any one and Edmond's freind over heaird the confersation about the letter and turned Edmond in.
After I read that I wanted to find out what happend next in the story and it got better and better as I read. It also has a nice body to the story. It talks you know what will happen next and then it happens and has pictures to explain what is going on in the scene of the story. Another thing that kept me reading this book is their is a part in the story where Edmond and his carrier look for treasure on this island called THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO. I would deffinitly reccomand to purchase this book because it's a very adventure's book to read for us kids and you.
Mr. Jolley Book Review.......2004-05-18
Alexandre Dumas's captivating novel, The Count of Monte Cristo, is a tale of vengeance, anguish, sorrow, love, and redemption. It is an extraordinary account of a man's life which is full of intrigue and deception. With the great fortune of attaining a promotion as the new captain of the Pharaon and the hand of his beautiful fiancé who will soon stand at the altar with him, Edmond Dantès could not have been a happier man. Yet, behind his back and in the shadows jealous eyes watch him and plot his downfall. On the night of his much awaited betrothal feast, Edmond is arrested and accused of being an aid to Bonaparte. Not long after an interrogation, he is condemned to life in prison at the Château d'lf. Unfortunate souls sent here are never heard or seen again. Death is the only way out of this dark place. Many of Edmond's precious years are spent alone, forgotten, and in despair and wretchedness. When all seems lost, he has an unusual encounter with another prisoner, Abbé Faria. A strong friendship forms as they plan their elaborate and final escape. But only days before their escape, Abbé Faria falls ill and cannot make the journey. On his deathbed, Abbé Faria gives his beloved friend the whereabouts of a forgotten treasure. With the life of his friend fading, he must make the most important choice of his life. Spurred by the hope restored to him by his friend and by the vengeance that has grown and festered in his heart throughout the long years spent behind bars, Edmond attempts his final escape. Whether it be death or great riches that lie outside his four prison walls, he is determined to play his part as the avenging angel. Those who have ruined his life will pay, and those who were undeserving of their fate will be avenged. He will have what is rightfully his, what he deserves...or...so he plans.
This is one of Dumas's greatest novels. It will draw the reader into its story within the first few pages. It is a book that is hard to put down or walk away from. If you enjoy tales full of unexpected twists and turns, you will love this one. Yet, as a warning, it is a book that you cannot just breeze through. It takes your full attention to catch all the details. I highly recommend it to anyone who is willing to take the time. So, if this is you, just sit back and prepare yourself for the ride of your life.
Book Description
A popular bestseller since its publication in 1844, The Count of Monte Cristo is one of the great page-turning thrillers of all time. Set against the tumultuous years of the post-Napoleonic era, Dumas’s grand historical romance recounts the swashbuckling adventures of Edmond Dantès, a dashing young sailor falsely accused of treason. The story of his long imprisonment, dramatic escape, and carefully wrought revenge offers up a vision of France that has become immortal. As Robert Louis Stevenson declared, “I do not believe there is another volume extant where you can breathe the same unmingled atmosphere of romance.”
Customer Reviews:
Brilliant Classic.......2007-08-07
I have been a fan of the count and his story for a long time with tv series and the movie based off it, but nothing quite compares to this book. It's absolutely amazing and has become one of my favorite books along with Les Miserables. It deals with justice, revenge, and hope. Many of the passages are inspiring, and on a whole, it flows beautifully.
This took me a very long time to read because of it's length, but I was able continue with ease every time I picked it up. All of the characters are interesting and detailed in a way that is almost shocking. This book draws you in and leaves you anticipating for what happens next. The ending was not exactly what I expected, but I was very satisfied with it. Dumas is a remarkable storyteller and I highly recommend this book.
Wait and Hope.......2007-06-22
This is now added to my top five favorite books of all time. This is simply a great book! In my humblest of opinions this is what literature should be. The story touches the themes of justice, vengeance, mercy, and forgiveness. But the story doesn't become excessively self righteous, because the whole time your evaluating what you would do if you were our protagonist. This is what great literature can do; make you consider your morals and ethics, so the story is much larger than just a tale. This book is long so be prepared. At times characters would be reintroduced and it would take some time before I could completely pull my remembrance of them together (such are the challenges of long books). It was funny the whole time reading this book I pictured Robert DeNiro as the Count of Monte Cristo.
(4.5): Revenge the Way it Ought to Be.......2007-06-17
This book has been quoted extensively and has remained a part of the literary canon for centuries and with good reason - it's simply a phenomenal work of art. The kind of dense fiction with multiple storylines and huge casts of colorful characters has sort of disappeared in this day and age, which is why works such as this one will always continue to engage and inspire us. Dumas' novel of revenge paints a wonderful picture of what high society was like in Paris at the time, all while following Edmond Dantes' plans to exact revenge upon the people who put him behind bars due to their jealosy and greed. He was simply a good man who was too trusting of those around him and this trust got him locked away for 14-years. Everything that happens in this novel flows so smoothly, and although the 1400+ pages is daunting, it is certainly worth your while. I'd love to see writers today try to write again with this kind of density. I really can't say enough how fantastic (I'm running out of superlatives) this book is and I know that anyone who reads it will agree that Dumas is a literary genius. This book is "Infinitie Jest" if Wallace's book made sense all the way through, "Atonement" if McEwan branched out and tried to fully flesh out the personalites and traits of all of the characters, and "The Corrections" if it had a more exciting plot (All of these books rank up as some of my favorites, but each succeeds in only a few ways, while I feel this book does it all).
Just make sure you're ready to commit a few weeks to this one. You won't regret it.
The COMPLETE Version Of The Classic Revenge Story As It Appeared In 1844. Recommended. .......2006-10-24
This excellent tale of revenge during the post-Napoleonic era is familiar to many through the abridged, 72-chapter, version of the story. While I did read it, like so many others, there were a number of plot holes in it, which made me wonder, "Is there a complete version of the novel?" After reading a review on this site, recommending the uncut 1462-page version of the adventure-mystery yarn by the best-selling playwright and author of "The Three Musketeers" and its sequels, I figured, "I'll definitely give it a shot." Rated PG for thematic elements and mild violence.
Am I the only one...?.......2006-06-15
Am I the only one who was disappointed that Mercedes did not ask Edmond to rejoin her and start life again w/her when she was so obviously still in love with him? Am I the only one who is disappointed w/the ending? I so would have loved it if the Count still loved her or was somehow more consoling towards her, like saying he is still the Edmond she loved inside. I don't know, something, I just would have liked it better if Mercedes and Edmond reunited, or at least if Mercedes were given a better ending--actually, I just wanted them to get back together. Am I alone in feeling this?
Average customer rating:
- 1-star Cliff Notes for a 5-star novel
- Read the Cliffnotes!
- The Folly of Revenge
- DO NOT BUY!
- The original manual on getting revenge!
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The Count of Monte Cristo (Cliffs Notes)
James L. Roberts
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ASIN: 0822003260 |
Book Description
The original CliffsNotes study guides offer a look into critical elements and ideas within classic works of literature.
CliffsNotes on The Count of Monte Cristo takes you into a rollicking yarn of adventure, wit, and revenge.
Following the story of a man imprisoned for 14 years who escapes by outsmarting his captors, this study guide shows through its expert commentaries just how the Count works justice with a vengeance on his enemies. Other features that help you figure out this important work include
- Life and background of the author, Alexandre Dumas
- Character sketches on the novel's vast array of personalities
- Plot synopsis and summaries for each chapter
- Suggested essay topics and a select bibliography
Classic literature or modern-day treasure — you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.
Customer Reviews:
1-star Cliff Notes for a 5-star novel.......2005-04-05
The Cliff Notes guide to "The Count of Monte Cristo" is a superficial, error-riddled guide to a superb yarn of Machiavellian revenge gone astray. Although Dantés first embarks on complete revenge against his enemies, he ultimately realizes that course would also punish the ones he loves, so he leaves revenge in God's hands. That point is utterly ignored by the Cliff Notes.
It is also not clear which version the Cliff Notes reviews. I am familiar with Grosset & Dunlap's 1,365-page edition, copyright 1946 by McGraw-Hill Book Company. This edition has 118 chapters, ranging from "1. Marseilles-- The Arrival" through "118. The Fifth of October". The Cliff Notes only mentions 73 chapters. If they are reviewing an abridged version, they should say so.
The Cliff Notes also has many lesser mistakes, including misspelling "Maximillian Morrel" and "Coclès". If they are that careless with simple things, think what they do with complex issues!
Read the Cliffnotes!.......2002-05-03
I started reading this book in the unabridged, not cliffnotes, version. Needless to say, the 1095 page book takes along time to read. About 500 pages into I decided to read the cliffnotes. From what i have read, this is a great book full of daring, adventure, and revenge. As you read, you see the main character outwit and manipulate everyone to his own vengeful scheme. Its a great book and I would recomend it to anyone that loves the classics.
The Folly of Revenge.......2000-06-17
Although Edmond Dantes was wrongfully accused and imprisoned this book is more a story about how hope is better than hatred. Through Edmond's life you will see how jealousy and revenge can ruin a life, even if it is what one thought they wanted.
DO NOT BUY!.......2000-04-28
The Count of Monte Cristo is an amusing but pointless novel that distracts the reader using an elaborate plot while making the weakest of attempts at a themeatic statement- revenge is good. This is a novel in which the "bravest" characters are commended for their desire to commit suicide in order preserve their honor and prove their "bravery". (Unfortunately, none of these characters are required kill themselves- instead, in each instance, they are saved by a miraculous event.) This is a novel in which more than four characters assume multiple identities in order to satisfy the whims of a plot which ultimately serves an inferior theme. It is because of authors like Dumas that early novels were often regarded as such low brow entertainment and not as literary works worthy of esteem.
The original manual on getting revenge!.......1999-06-19
The story of one man's journey for revenge. Learn from Edmond as he calculates his plot for revenge over several years. Let his patience be a lesson to you, for revenge can help guide you through the most hopeless situations. Try "The Stars my Destination" for another tale of revenge.
Book Description
Edmond Dantès has a perfect life. He is engaged to a beautiful woman and has just been named captain of a ship. But when three jealous friends conspire to destroy him, Dantès is locked away for life in the infamous Chateau d'If.In prison, Dantès learns of an island where vast treasure is hidden. He plots a daring escape, then uses the treasure to transform himself into the Count of Monte Cristo. Equipped with power, wealth, and disguise, he seeks out his enemies. Nothing can stand between the count and his obsession...revenge.
Customer Reviews:
Scholastic version of the Count incomplete.......2005-10-25
I purchased the Scholastic version of the book so I could finish reading the novel (I had it on my PDA and lost my PDA). After finishing reading the Scholastic printing of the book, I found the book seemed to leave many unanswered questions, so I thought I would re-read it. It was then that I discovered that the scholastic publication is missing some of the chapters (though the included chapters are sequentially numbered). In fact, a person reading the Scholastic printing would never understand the most important act which caused Edmond Dantes so much grief, as that most important chapter, "the Conspiracy" is one of the omitted chapters. Thus, this printing is, in my humble opinion, worthless.
The book, as a whole, is great, and I recommend the book (in its complete form) to anyone.
Absolutely wonderful! Definately a 4-5 star book!.......2005-08-31
I think that Count is a really good book. I was hesitant to read it, at first, but once I got started, I couldn't stop. The action, once it gets started, is amazing. There's never a dull moment. Alexandre Dumas has created a wonderful picture of life in 18th century France.
Book Description
Set against the tumultuous years of the post-Napoleonic era, The Count of Monet Cristo recounts the swashbuckling adventures of Edmond Dantes, a dashing young sailor falsely accused of treason. The story of his long imprisonment, dramatic escape, and carefully wrought revenge offers up a vision of France that has become immortal.
From the Hardcover edition.
Book Description
ENDURING LITERATURE ILLUMINATED
BY PRACTICAL SCHOLARSHIP
Alexandre Dumas's thrilling adventure of one man's quest for freedom and vengeance on those who betrayed him.
EACH ENRICHED CLASSIC EDITION INCLUDES:
• A concise introduction that gives readers important background information
• A chronology of the author's life and work
• A timeline of significant events that provides the book's historical context
• An outline of key themes and plot points to help readers form their own interpretations
• Detailed explanatory notes
• Critical analysis, including contemporary and modern perspectives on the work
• Discussion questions to promote lively classroom and book group interaction
• A list of recommended related books and films to broaden the reader's experience
Enriched Classics offer readers affordable editions of great works of literature enhanced by helpful notes and insightful commentary. The scholarship provided in Enriched Classics enables readers to appreciate, understand, and enjoy the world's finest books to their full potential.
SERIES EDITED BY CYNTHIA BRANTLEY JOHNSON
Customer Reviews:
ABRIDGED, doesn't say that anywhere in the book.......2007-09-11
This review is for this version, not the book itself, which is amazing. If you are unfamiliar with the REAL version of Monte Cristo and didn't know that the actual novel is 1300+ pages, don't bother with this version unless it is required for a class. Nowhere on or in the book does it say that it is abridged, so unwitting readers could be duped into thinking this was the full version. False advertising. Don't waste your time with this one, read the full version, you won't be disappointed.
ABRIDGED!!.......2006-08-29
Nowhere in the description of this item or in the book itself does it mention that this is an abridged book with a number of plot resolving sections omitted. Amazon - you must state in the listing for these "Enriched Classics" books that they are abridged and therefore are useless as school books, etc. Very misleading by the publisher!
Bowdlerized.......2006-08-09
The single star refers to this version, not the book itself. Do not read this version if you want the complete version of the Count of Monte Cristo. Other reviewers have noted that this is an abridged version, but it is much worse than that, this is a Bowdlerized version. Still worse is the fact that the publisher does not disclose this fact, which I consider to be quite deceptive. Significant subplots have been eliminated so as not to have to contend with what the Bowdlerizer considered unpleasant story elements such as: murder (two of them are eliminated in this version), an affair between two main characters leading to the illegitimate birth of a third character, the attempted infanticide of that third character and a lesbian relationship. Important characters become merely ciphers, and main characters just fade away because the chapters describing their fate have been eliminated. While important chapters are eliminated, the flowery 19th century prose (or at least the English translation of this language) is retained. Thus, this version is over 600 pages long. In contrast, the Lowell Bair translation and abridgement (published by Bantam) is about 200 pages shorter. However, the Bair version is more complete in terms of story elements and is a version that I recommend.
This book contains some enrichment in term of additions of some historical background, information about the life and work of Dumas, chapter notes and interpretive notes. In my opinion, however, these enrichments in no way compensate for the trashing of Dumas' story. Also, beware if you read this version for school, you will suffer the double handicap of not getting the complete story while still having to wade through over 600 pages of 19th century prose. Read the whole thing, or at least an abridgement that uses a more modern prose style, while still retaining the whole story. Beware, however, the complete book is about twice as long as this version and many times the size of the Bair abridgement.
ABRIDGED version of the classic story, good resources in back.......2006-06-08
I am reviewing the Pocket Books Enriched Classics version of the novel The Count of Monte Cristo. At about chapter 30, I was hooked on the story and reading reviews and doing research on it. At that point I discovered the Pocket Books version is an ABRIDGED version with about 70 chapters. The real version has around 117 chapters. This frustrated me immensely because nowhere on the Pocket Books version does it say it is abridged. That is my biggest complaint.
I then found a complete version of the book and read it. If I was going to read the book, I wanted to read the whole thing. However, if you want a more tightly written book, I guess I could recommend the abridged version. It won't take near as long to read and will probably tell the same story. Just a quick comment about the 2002 movie starring Jim Cavizel and Guy Pierce. The 1st half of the move covers Dantes' imprisonment and escape, while in the book, it is maybe 25% of the story. While the movie is good, it in no way does justice to Dantes' life as the Count of Monte Cristo. I don't see how it would be possible to make a movie that follows the book closely, the book is just too long.
Dantes is madly in love with Mercedes. On the eve of their wedding, Dantes is betrayed by 3 supposed friends. Dantes spends 14 years in prison and there he meets a priest he teaches him many things an tells him where to find a massive treasure. Dantes escapes, finds the treasure and sets out to get revenge on those who betrayed him. The revenge plots are long, detailed and sometimes farfetched. It seems Dantes can do anything he wants and is always able to buy what he needs or be in the right place at the right time. Still it is fun to get to know the characters and to see how Dantes exquisitely exacts his revenge. Many characters view suicide as a honorable way to deal with grief, which is ridiculous today but was accepted back then. In spite of leaving out 1/3rd of the novel, the pocket books version does include an large reference section that includes plot summary, character lists and other commentaries.
If only Alexander Dumas were alive today. The Count of Monte Cristo is an amazing novel with an intricate plot, numerous characters and plenty of twists and turns. Unfortunately, it is written the style of the times, and is as not as exciting as it could have been. The dialogue all has a poetic feel to it. I wish this story could be told by an author today. This book oozes sexuality (affairs, lusts, lesbians) just beneath the surface. There is so much sexual tension that could be exploited without crossing the line to obscene. Also, so much of the behavior of the characters is wrapped up in French social customs that are hard to understand at first but the reader will quickly pick up on them.
I recommend this book to anyone interested in books of this era or of a good adventure. Just decide if you want the abridged version or full version before you buy this book.
Avenging the Past.......2006-02-10
Review for THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO
Dumas' 1844 novel about passion, betrayal and justifiable vengeance provides exhilarating reading even in the 21st century. Opening in February of 1815, when France was polarized into either Bonapartist or Royalist camps; society risked reprisals as the pendulum of power shifted capriciously; personal fortunes and careers rose and plunged until the Emperor's final imprisonment.
Nineteen-year-old Edmond Dantes, capable first mate for the Morrell Firm, is poised to enjoy life to the fullest: promoted to captaincy despite his youth and engaged to his beloved Mercedes. Betrayed by three "friends" with private grudges or weak natures Dantes falls an easy victim to the conspirators. Accused though innocnet, Dantes is not even tried, but thrown into a miserable prison on a rocky isle in Marseilles harbor--the dreaded Chateau d'Yf. Victim of the relentless wheels of political fate the young man languishes there for some 14 years.
During his imprisonment Dantes undergoes a metamorphosis from desiring death to living for revenge against his unknown foes. With the help of Father Faria-a priest considered mad by prison authorities because he insists on possessing a vast fortune-he realizes the names of his unseen tormentors, how and why he was betrayed. Since time was in abundance Faria undertook to educate the embittered youth; eventually this passionate mentor considered Dantes his son and together they planned their escape. Ultimately Dantes reached the rocky islet of Monte Cristo, recovered the treasure and was able to live a luxurious life as the Count of Monte Cristo.
The bulk of the novel chronicles Dantes' personal odyssey as the self-appointed hand of providence; he devised complicated schemes to enact ruin upon the men who destroyed his career and happiness and who allowed his elderly father to starve to death.
Dantes' privately likens his power and justice with God's. As
self-appointed avenger he carefully schemes and patiently waits
to savor his moments of triumph.
Dumas' style includes swashbuckling action, extensive dialogue and frequent flashbacks on the parts of various characters. His clever schemes and surprise counterfoils keep readers alert with literary suspense. A connoisseur of the darker side of human nature, Dantes often relies on the baser instincts of his targets
which facilitate their ultimate downfall. Yet even he cannot always predict the feminine factor. Himself mentored in prison, Dantes treats two young men as his sons, and acts as guardian to two young couples. Despite this, does one mortal man-emotionally scarred---have the right to claim divine privilege?
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The Count of Monte Cristo
