The Mark of Zorro: Johnston McCulley

Originally serialized, this exciting adventure story achieved immortal fame thanks to the Douglas Fairbanks film of the same name--a cinematic triumph that inspired author Johnston McCulley to dedicate the book release to Fairbanks. It has since seen numerous film and other adaptations, including Blackstone Audio's full-cast Grammy-nominated audio drama produced by the renowned Yuri Rasovsky and featuring the voice talents of Val Kilmer.
1820s California, in a bygone era of sprawling haciendas and haughty caballeros, suffers beneath the whip of oppression. Missions are pillaged, native peasants are abused, and innocent men and women are persecuted by the corrupt governor and his army. But a champion of freedom rides the highways. His identity hidden behind a mask, the laughing outlaw Zorro defies the tyrant's might. A deadly marksman and a demon swordsman, his flashing blade strikes down those who exploit the poor and oppressed.
First published in 1919 (as 'The Curse of Capistrano') , The Mark of Zorro remains a paradigm of swashbuckling adventure and a popular novel to this day.
Retold by Anne Collins.