"The Count of Monte Cristo," by Alexandre Dumas, is part of the "Barnes and Noble Classics"" "series, which offers quality editions at affordable prices to the student and the general reader, including new scholarship, thoughtful design, and pages of carefully crafted extras. Here are some of the remarkable features of "Barnes and Noble Classics": New introductions commissioned from today's top writers and scholars Biographies of the authors Chronologies of contemporary historical, biographical, and cultural events Footnotes and endnotes Selective discussions of imitations, parodies, poems, books, plays, paintings, operas, statuary, and films inspired by the work Comments by other famous authors Study questions to challenge the reader's viewpoints and expectations Bibliographies for further reading Indices and Glossaries, when appropriateAll editions are beautifully designed and are printed to superior specifications; some include illustrations of historical interest. "Barnes and Noble Classics "pulls together a constellation of influences-biographical, historical, and literary-to enrich each reader's understanding of these enduring works. Dashing young Edmond Dantes has everything. He is engaged to a beautiful woman, is about to become the captain of a ship, and is well liked by almost everyone. But his perfect life is shattered when he is framed by a jealous rival and thrown into a dark prison cell for 14 years. The greatest tale of betrayal, adventure, and revenge ever written, "The Count of Monte Cristo" continues to dazzle readers with its thrilling and memorable scenes, including Dantes's miraculous escape from prison, his amazing discovery of a vast hidden treasure, and histransformation into the mysterious and wealthy Count of Monte Cristo-a man whose astonishing thirst for vengeance is as cruel as it is just. Luc Sante is the author of "Low Life," "Evidence," and "The Factory of Facts," He teaches writing and the history of photography at Bard College.