The Count of Monte Cristo is an adventure novel by French author Alexandre Dumas, completed in 1844. It is one of the author's most popular works. Like many of his novels, it was expanded from plot outlines suggested by his collaborating ghostwriter, Auguste Maquet. The story takes place in France, Italy, and islands in the Mediterranean during the historical events of 1815-1839: the era of the Bourbon Restoration through the reign of Louis-Philippe of France. It begins just before the Hundred Days period. The historical setting is a fundamental element of the book. The book consists of an adventure story primarily concerned with themes of hope, justice, vengeance, mercy, and forgiveness. It focuses on a man who is wrongfully imprisoned, escapes from jail, acquires a fortune, and sets about exacting revenge on those responsible for his imprisonment. His plans have devastatin g consequences for both the innocent and the guilty. The book is considered a literary classic today.