?God is merciful to all as he has been to you; he is first a father then a judge.? Born in 1802 Alexandre Dumas was one of France's most prolific and widely read authors. The Count of Monte Cristo is Dumas? classic tale of romance revenge and intrigue. Set in 1815 it begins with the childhood friends Edmond Dantes and Fernand Mondego seeking help for the injured captain of their ship. Edmond is made successor to the captain and is eventually imprisoned for his actions. One of the greatest tales of betrayal ever written The Count of Monte Cristo dazzles readers as it charts one man's astonishing rise to power and thirst for vengeance.