What is the historical setting of the story?

The work covers the period of French History from 1814-1838.

Historically one is carried through the closing Hundred days of Napoleon's Dynasty, the reigns of Louis XVIII, Charles X, and Louis Philipe, and the Revolution of July. These events however, do not particularly intrude upon the story.

Dumas' Count of Monte Cristo also covers French societal customs of the period. It was completely possible that a political prisoner should be forgotten in prison, though political prisoners normally stayed for a year. Another feature of 19th century post-Napoleonic society that Dumas illustrates is the humble origins of many of the most influential persons of Parisien society. Danglars, The Count de Morcerf and