Someone is slaughtering the cattle that belong to the fathers at the Mission. Who would deal steal from the church? Is it the rascally Don Marcos Vargas? The mysterious Americano, Barney Burke? Or is the villian none other than -- Zorro himself?

This is a full-length Zorro novel, which has been unavilable for over fifty years. It is reprinted in a high-quality, large-sde paperback edition, with all or the original magazine illustrations, as well as new ones by artist Joel F. Naprstek The original pulp cover from WEST magazine in included, as well as a check-list of all Zorror stories and novels.

We tend to forget what a great fictional creation Zorro is.

Here are 11 of his classic adventures -- 10 short stories and a novelette -- which have been unavailable for over a half-century. As Zorro or as the languid Don Diego, our hero is resourceful and witty. He fights for the oppressed. Thew soldiers he fights against are honorable and brave, and Zorro respects them, reserving his contempt for their political masters.

It is amazing how "politically correct" the original Zorro stories are. Written at a time when magazines didn't think twice abouvt using terms like "spic" or "greaser", here we have a Hispanic hero helping people protect thier rights. Often, we find ourselves apologizing for the language and attitude of previous generations; you don't have to do that with Zorro.

No Zorro fan of any generation will fail to be thrilled by these adventures!

The Mark of Zorro is an outstanding book about the masked rogue helping the poor and oppressed. It tells the first, the original story of Zorro. Fighting for justice and for a love of a girl, Zorro has to prove his toughness against the corrupt governor, Captain Ramon and a fat landlord, called Sergeant Pedro Gonzales. The story takes place in a California of former times.

The love for Lolita Pulido is the essence of the book. Besides Zorro, there is Don Diego Vega, a lifeless caballero with a rich and influential father, Don Alejandro Vega, who asks Señorita Pulido to become his wife. The third man fighting for Señorita's love is Captain Ramon. As a high ranked military captain, he, too, has influence in the country of Old California. The reader will soon realize, that Senorita's heart speaks only to Zorro, the Curse of Capistrano. But Lolita's father, Don Carlos Pulido, a mistreated caballero of good blood, needs his daughter to marry Don Diego Vega or Captain Ramon, as it is his desire to become rich and influential again. In fact, Don Carlos is not informed about his daughter's love to the highwayman.

Zorro's job in the pueblo of Reina de Los Angeles is not done, after he gained the Señorita's love. The Curse of Capistrano helps the oppressed and mistreated natives against the corrupt governor and his army. Zorro fights several times with the governor's soldiers, Captain Ramon and Sergeant Pedro Gonzales. Although the highwayman seems to be an undefeatable enemy, the soldiers, led by Gonzales, always make fun of Zorro, by telling untruths about embarrassing defeats. The showdown, of course, will be in the end, after the Pulido's rescue from the jail, which keeps the reader on the edge.

Johnston McCulley shows an awesome skill for introducing new characters. He plays with the traditional image of good and evil. Zorro, the heroic figure, fights for peace and justice. Although considered a highwayman, he acts gentleman-like and charms the beautiful Senorita Lolita Pulido. On the other side, there are the soldiers and servants of a corrupt governor. Sergeant Gonzales, for sure, is the best example of the evil. Described as a fat landlord the reader often sees him drinking wine excessively in the pueblo's tavern. He does not even get close to capture the Curse of Capistrano. The most interesting character besides Zorro, is Don Diego Vega the lifeless caballero. He seems to struggle for the Senorita's love not with love by himself but with his money. Don Diego, also is a friend of the landlord and because of his name, the Don is highly respected by the governor. The lifeless caballero will show some great surprises throughout the story.

Overall, the Mark of Zorro is an exciting book, which keeps the reader interested from the sword-clashing intro to the dramatic showdown. The story of a heroic rogue, the love between Zorro and the Lolita and the soldiers' unsuccessful chase for the reward produces an awesome literary opus.

EN ESPAÑOL

Spanish paragraph de Cristobal

The Mark of Zorro es un libro muy emocionante. Sucede en California Vieja. El carácter principal es Zorro, Un caballero que lucha para la justicia. Él lucha para el amor de Señorita Lolita Pulido. Pero Zorro o La Maldición de Capistrano es cazada por el ejército de gobernador. Esta situación produce un cuento impresionante. El libro es magnífico y usted lo debe leer también.

Who could resist giving this book five stars? (Obviously, not many!) Johnston McCulley presents the first appearance of Zorro throughout the world in this classic novel of old Spanish California. Originally published in 1919 and entitled "The Curse of Capistrano", this novel is one of the most adventure-packed stories you're probably ever going to find! If you haven't read this book, you should!!!

Many people have seen "The Mask of Zorro" starring Antonio Banderas. Even more are familiar with Guy Williams' 1957-59 portrayal of the legendary hero, or even Duncan Regehr's series in the early 1990s. But very few have, unfortunately, ever read the book that started it all, "The Mark of Zorro", originally entitled "The Curse of Capistrano" in its initial 1919 release. This is such a shame. Few Zorro stories of today -- excepting some fan fiction -- can rival the genius in Johnston McCulley's work(s). His Zorro is the ultimate adventurer.

Zorro's best-kept secret is the fact that there wasn't *one* Zorro story written by Johnston McCulley -- there were sixty! A wonderful new company is currently in production of republishing every one of these classic stories. I've read some of them; they're every bit as good as "Mark". Truly "must-reads". Miss them at your own expense.

This is a collection of some Zorro stories written by Johnston McCulley, the creator of Senor Zorro, from old pulp magazines. The stories are "Zorro Saves A Friend", "Zorro Hunts A Jackal", "Zorro Deals With Treason", "Mysterious Don Miguel", "Zorro Draws His Blade" and "Zorro Upsets A Plot". The book also contains a checklist of all Zorro stories on pulp magazines; good reference for Zorro fans.

The situation of these stories is a little different from that of "The Mark of Zorro", the very first Zorro novel written by McCulley. For example, in "The Mark of Zorro", nobody dreams that languid Don Diego is Senor Zorro, while in these stories, the Army officers suspect Don Diego to be Zorro. The stories mainly describe how the enemies try to trap Don Diego/Zorro and how Don Diego/Zorro brilliantly outwits them. They are amusing and I enjoy reading them.

I would be happier if this book were an ordinary size paperback and much less expensive. But I will perhaps buy Volume Two if available.

Reading this book is a real joy. If you loved the TV shows or the movies, I think this will be a real treat for you. The only problem is that it is such a quick read (because I had trouble putting it down), that it is difficult to really "soak up" the flavor of the writing. I don't recommend starting this book the week before final exams, because if you're like me, you'll neglect studying!

McCulley started Zorro and this first collection of his pulp stories are great!

Z forever!

Sandra did a stunning job writing this book! Ooodles of stuff on our Guy!! ;-) Great work with the synopsis of the movies, found out stuff on Zorro I never knew existed! This is definitely the book for ANY Zorro fan....Beginner or long time!

I've been a fan of Zorro's since I first saw Guy Williams cross the screen in the Disney version. I look back now and see why he appealed so much to me back then and why to this day he still does. What he stood for is something that means so much to me, fighting against those that dare take advantage of others etc.

This book just filled me in more on things that I didn't really know, but only sort of knew. The connection between Zorro and Batman, well I sort of always thought there was something there. I guess my re-interest in Zorro was brought back to me because of the Mask of Zorro, which I loved. So now I'm re-discovering it all again because my company is working with Zorro Productions on making Zorro even more visible on the internet and so it has been an honor to speak with Sandra Curtis on these new ventures. She did a great job on the book, and she has so much to draw from and because of all that, it just made the book even more special. I'd like to thank you for doing this book. Sometimes I feel everyone gets caught up in the "super heroes" of today with all their super powers. And really all we need to do is look at the heroes that are like Zorro. A man who just used his skill and brains to help right the wrongs. Thanks again Sandra for the book and your helping with what my company is trying to do to keep Zorro in the forefront of everyone's mind.

This is a must read for any Zorro fan, or anyone who just wants to know about the character and how he came about.

I was always a Zorro fan ever since I saw Guy Willums in the Disney Version.I just couldn't get enough of this masked avenger.I always wanted to be as fast and quick and smart as he was. I am taking Riding Lessions soon and maybe Fencing Lessions too. I might not be as quick as he is, But I know one thing he will always be No# 1 in my book.