What is the best translation of The Count of Monte Cristo?

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Accepted Answer

For most readers, the Robin Buss translation (1996) of The Count of Monte Cristo is the best place to start: This is the one to get, and it isn't close. Buss's 1996 translation is complete and unabridged — which matters more here than with almost any other classic, because the cheap Monte Cristos are often quietly cut, and the old Victorian translations softened the parts the censors didn't like. Buss is lively, modern, and gives you the whole thing. This is where I'd start. For best for going deep, consider David Coward (2008). For most beautiful, consider Robin Buss (1996). For the free classic, consider Anonymous (1846) (1846). For the short version, consider Lowell Bair (abridged) (1956).

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