The Count of Monte Cristo is a classic adventure novel by Alexandre Dumas. It tells the story of Edmond Dantès, a young, innocent man unjustly imprisoned on the island prison of If for 14 years. During his incarceration, he learns about a hidden treasure and plans his elaborate escape and transformation into the wealthy and mysterious Count of Monte Cristo. The novel intricately weaves themes of justice, vengeance, mercy, forgiveness, and the human capacity for both good and evil, as Dantès meticulously executes his plan against those who wronged him. It's a sprawling epic of betrayal and ultimate retribution.