It is one of the author's most popular works, along with The Three Musketeers. Like many of his novels, it was expanded from plot outlines suggested by his collaborating ghostwriter , Auguste Maquet.
The story takes place in France, Italy, and islands in the Mediterranean during the historical events of β the era of the Bourbon Restoration through the reign of Louis-Philippe of France.
It begins on the day that Napoleon left his first island of exile, Elba, beginning the Hundred Days period of his return to power. The historical setting is a fundamental element of the book, an adventure story centrally concerned with themes of hope, justice, vengeance, mercy, and forgiveness.
As the fabulously wealthy, powerful and mysterious Count of Monte Cristo , he enters the fashionable Parisian world of the s to avenge himself. The book is widely considered a literary classic today. Villefort, the deputy crown prosecutor in Marseille, is Noirtier's son.
On 28 February , Faria dies. Some months later, he locates and retrieves the treasure; he later purchases the island of Monte Cristo and the title of count from the Tuscan government. Both Danglars and Fernand have prospered greatly. Danglars became a speculator, amassed a fortune, married a wealthy widow, and became a baron.
