The Count of Monte Cristo: Alexandre Dumas (Penguin Clothbound Classics)

An absolutely fantastic story and the best translation of the original works by far (Penguin Classics version). The original translations of the story were watered down what with the French being more "liberal" than the English during the Victorian times. The Penguin Classics version is not watered down and truer to Alexander Dumas' story. Despite being over one thousand pages long the story is divided into short chapters which means you can pick up and read one or two chapters in twenty to thirty minutes (I read a couple of chapters on my lunch break every day, and now and then in the evening too. It was that good). The writing is of such quality and the story so enthralling I often wanted to continue reading the next chapter right away and couldn't wait to open the book again and submerse myself in the story once more. Despite this novels age, contrary to what some people might think being an old classic with over a thousand pages, it is not a laborious read at all. In fact, it's extremely easy to read. The cover of the book is of a good quality although the decorations (in this case the red masks) can appear a bit worn after a while but, in my opinion this only adds to the character. The print of the book is of a fine quality and I'd highly recommend any of the Penguin Classics new clothbound books as a great gift for any avid reader.

Excellent book, perfect condition, brand new, no damage, thank you!

"The Count Monte Cristo" is a classic novel of renowned French writer of historical fiction Alexander Dumas. Recounting the tale of a wrongly accused and thrown into prison Edmond Dantès, and his ingenious plan to escape and capture the treasure of a legendary Isle of Monte Cristo. If you haven't read the novel, which was inspired by a real life case of wrongful imprisonment, I would urge you to, it's a classic page turner, a wonderful work of fiction (translated in this edition by Robert Buss, whose translation is considered [by some] the best, whilst a bit controversial by the others). Nonetheless, this review is more about the specific Penguin edition of the Dumas classic, not the novel itself. Penguin are [yet again] re-publishing classics, but this time in a lovely clothbound hardbacks, and I purchased "The Count of Monte Cristo" as a Christmas gift for my book-club friend who coveted these editions every time he visited Waterstones. I am so glad I have done so (I was torn between this one and the leather-bound Barnes and Noble edition). For a true book lover, the appeal and visual presentation of the book is just right. The book looks great and opulent, and I imagine it would look good as part of the collection, but it can also be an individual gem on anybody's shelf. The design is simple and stylish, the paper is of good quality (so silky!), the book even has a ribbon book mark! An additional plus, this Penguin edition of "The Count of Monte Cristo" has an insightful introduction, suggestions for further readings and some notes at the end. This would make a great book for either a Dumas lover or a bibliophile. Recommended.

This is one of my favorite books of all time and I read a lot of books! Am amazing, epic story spanning many years. I wanted a hardback book with a nice cover and reasonable sized font. This book fit those criteria perfectly. However, these books have a barcode sticker on the back cover. It's easy to remove and isn't incredibly sticky but it does remove some of the print from the fabric of the cover and it's not a small sticker. It's a small thing but it is annoying. Hopefully the seller will take note

Feel bad even giving a 4 - would say its more like a 4 and a half There is a huge following out there for Penguin 'Cloth-Bound Classics'. Like many other people, I absolutley love the collection. Its beautiful and for non-English titles the translations are usually good. But, if this is your first time purchasing a Cloth-Bound Classic there is something you need to be aware of so you wont be disappointed. When you peel the barcode label off the back cover it can often remove some of the surface print and depending on the colour palette, can also leave a noticable rectangular mark. Also you will need to make sure your hands are DRY when reading, or again the surface print may either flake or come off. Personally I don't see this as a fault or flaw - its just the natural state of the materials used to make these lovely cloth-bound books combining with an understandable need to manage inventory and dispactch logistics with low-tac stickers Just wanted to provide the info so anyone new to this collection can make an informed purchase. Enjoy your Cloth-Bound Classics, once you buy one, you will want to build your collection :) On this title specifically........................................................ Can't recommend The Count of Monte Cristo enough!! And this is a comfortable read translation-wise. Its an epic tale that will draw you in and keep you turning pages... As it was orininally circulated in serialised form, the plot layers and characters develop at a pace that will keep you engaged and excited to keep turning pages. Don't let the number of pages put you off - This is one brick of a book that is definitely worth time invested Whether you choose to approach this in one long cover to cover unbroken read, or pace yourself over some months by using it as a companion to your other core reading, I'm sure you will enjoy it :)

The best way to describe this book is an absolute work of art. Yes, it’s a lengthy book at over 1000s pages but it’s so gripping and entertaining you get through it really quickly. Without giving too much away, it’s an emotional rollercoaster and an absolute must read. Some pages seem to being going nowhere but capture you so well... only to become key aspects of the story later on. I know I’ll reread this soon! The only issue with this copy is the bloody print work (the Robin Buss green cloth copy with red masks). It’s a really good looking cover but as you can see from the images if you read it in the summer when your hands are warm the paint just falls off! That being said the translation is really amazing and I’d still get this copy again (just might put it in a cover).

Brought for granddaughter christmas she was really pleased with it

Fantstic book! Recommend as a gift.

I would have never thought that the book would be so different from the movie, and it is so much more! This book was filled with adventure, action and a little hint of romance! I enjoyed the conclusion that the Count came to in the end... *SPOILER (kind of) ALERT* ...that revenge is truly a dish best served cold, that is a tasteless dish should never have been served...

Livro lindo .Não veio com a etiqueta presa no livro não. Ao invés disso veio adesivada no papel celofane que envolve o livro….

The quality of binding is good, even if it is with an uninspiring cover. The paper is a bit thin, maybe because of 1000 plus pages. Not to say this is the best version. The English is not difficult and there are plenty of notes to give us context of famous person, place and events.

This is about the clothbound edition by penguin. It is the only version I could find with the Robin Buss translation. It is the most modern and most readable translation in English. Highly recommended. I hope that one day Penguin will publish a bit more elaborate edition of this version. I think this book deserves it.

A beautiful book that needed a proper protected cover! The sticker should have been on the cellophane!!! I'm very angry about the damage...seriously. I've bought a lot of books like this from penguin and none had the sticker directly on he cloth. This is a waste of a perfectly good hardback cover and subtracts value from an edition that is NOT economical. Shame to Penguin.