Eighteen years old - in 1846 - Jules Verne was fascinated by reading "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas father. And when he later settled in Paris, before even solving his financial problem, he managed to meet the famous historical author. Dumas warmly supported him and staged Verne's first play "The Broken Straws" at the "Historical Theater" in Paris in 1850.
Jules Verne never forgot his patron, who died in 1870. And later, in 1885, honoring Dumas' memory, he was inspired to create a more modern "Count of Monte Cristo", writing it in the vivid style of his "Extraordinary Voyages", and the new novel became the 28th book in this adventurous series.
This book - "Mathias Sandorf" - is dedicated to Alexandre Dumas fils, who, upon receiving it, replied with the following letter:
June 23, 1885
"Dear friend,
I am deeply moved by the dedication of "Mathias Sandorf". Your inspired, original, and captivating novels were a pleasant charm for the author of "Monte Cristo". With my father, you have such a close literary kinship that I honestly tell you that you are more his child than I am. And I have loved you for so long that we are suited to be brothers, - Alexandre Dumas."