The Count of Monte Cristo was written by Alexandre Dumas and first published in book form in 1844-45. It is a novel set firmly in history with many key plot points based on external political events. The key figure in French politics during the first quarter of the nineteenth century was Napoleon Bonaparte who though he does not appear directly in the novel plays such a significant role that he can almost be counted as one of the major characters. The story follows handsome Edmond Dantès as he e