The Mark of Zorro, originally published in 1919 by Johnston McCulley, introduces the iconic character Zorro, a masked vigilante in early 19th-century California. By day, he is Don Diego de la Vega, a wealthy Californio, but by night he fights against corrupt officials and defends the oppressed. This novel is notable for establishing Zorro as a cultural icon, influencing numerous adaptations in books, films, and television. It is the first of its kind to portray a heroic figure who embodies both aristocracy and rebellion.
