"The Count of Monte Cristo" is a historical adventure novel by Alexandre Dumas, published in serialized form in 1844–46. The story follows Edmond Dantès, a young man who is wrongfully imprisoned in the Château d'If. After many years, he escapes with the help of another prisoner, acquires a fortune hidden on the island of Monte Cristo, and returns to France under the guise of the Count of Monte Cristo to seek vengeance against those who betrayed him. The novel explores themes of justice, revenge, and the human condition.