Books by Victor Hugo

Book SynopsisAt the height of the student revolt, Valjean arrives at the barricade and saves multiple lives including Marius, who is still eager to find Cosette. Despite his family and Valjean’s reservations, Marius is committed to marrying her. Jean Valjean joins the revolt and finds the streets in disarray. He locates Marius who has been badly injured but is still alive. While attempting to bring Marius to safety, Valjean encounters a couple of dangerous figures from his past. Inspector Javert finds himself in a peculiar position where Valjean expresses mercy instead of vengeance. It’s an unsuspecting act that challenges his outlook. Elsewhere, Marius heals and finally reunites with Cosette. The couple decides to get married but are blindsided by Valjean’s unspoken truth. Les Misérables Volume Five: Jean Valjean is a brilliant finale to one of the most revered novels of all-time. It is a compelling story marked by unforgettable characters. This is a captivating tale that’s been adapted multiple times for stage, television and film. The most notable being the 2012 Oscar-winning production from director, Tom Hooper. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Les Misérables Volume Five: Jean Valjean is both modern and readable.

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Book SynopsisMarius and Cosette’s union is strained by Valjean’s sudden plan to leave the country and the growing tension between the disillusioned students and national government. The couple struggles to navigate the unstable social and political climate. Following a close call with Inspector Javert, Jean Valjean plans to leave France for England. He informs Cosette, who is heartbroken, as she’s still in love with Marius. The young man attempts to take her hand in marriage but is sidetracked by social conventions that require his family’s blessing. Marius is also pulled into a student revolt which has taken over the city’s streets. A revolution has begun, and everyone is forced to choose a side. Les Misérables Volume Four is an action-heavy entry in Victor Hugo’s enduring story. Characters and ideals collide during a volatile exchange that shifts the direction of the entire series. This is one part of a captivating tale that’s been adapted multiple times for stage, television and film. The most notable being the 2012 Oscar-winning production from director, Tom Hooper. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Les Misérables Volume Four: The Idyll in the Rue Plumet and the Epic in the Rue St. Denis is both modern and readable.

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Book SynopsisAfter eight years away, Jean Valjean and Cosette, living under new identities attract the attention of their former innkeepers who are seeking money and revenge. With the help of an idealistic young man, the pair attempts to escape unscathed. Despite their rough origins, Jean Valjean and Cosette have managed to create a peaceful life for themselves. Cosette has grown into a beautiful young woman and catches the eye of Marius. The two of them fall in love but their courtship is interrupted by Cosette’s sudden departure. After a brief hiatus, Marius discovers Cosette and Valjean have adopted new names and occupations. They are living as wealthy philanthropists and are being targeted by the innkeepers who recently moved to their city. Once again, they plan to extort Valjean and use Cosette as leverage. In Les Misérables Volume Three: Marius, Valjean and Cosette are haunted by figures from their troubled past. Meanwhile, Marius is an unexpected ally who plays an integral role in their journey. This is one part of a captivating tale that’s been adapted multiple times for stage, television and film. The most notable being the 2012 Oscar-winning production from director, Tom Hooper. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Les Misérables Volume Three: Marius is both modern and readable.

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Book SynopsisAfter Fantine’s death, her daughter Cosette remains at the inn where she endures frequent abuse from the owners before the unexpected arrival of Jean Valjean. The duo unites and work to create a better life for themselves away from the city. Following the events of Les Misérables Volume One: Fantine, Jean Valjean is once again on the wrong side of the law. After being sentenced to hard labor and eventually the death penalty, he barely escapes with his life. He travels to an inn where he encounters Cosette, the orphaned daughter of Fantine. He notices her abusive living conditions and attempts to remove her from the innkeepers care. Together, Jean and Cosette break away from the clutches of the owners as well as the cruel Inspector Javert. Les Misérables Volume Two: Cosette is the continuation of the tumultuous story of Jean Valjean. This is one part of a captivating tale that’s been adapted multiple times for stage, television and film. The most notable being the 2012 Oscar-winning production from director, Tom Hooper. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Les Misérables Volume Two: Cosette is both modern and readable.

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Book SynopsisLes Misérables Volume One: Fantine is the introduction to Victor Hugo’s acclaimed historical novel centering a weary hero and heroine torn by poverty and politics. It’s a captivating story marked by love, betrayal and ultimately, loss. The story follows former convict, Jean Valjean, who spent nearly two decades in prison for stealing food for his family. After he’s released, Valjean is unable to find work or proper lodging. He’s forced to sleep on the streets before a kind soul offers him food and shelter. Valjean decides to change his name, creating a new life for himself as a successful factory owner and mayor. Valjean’s rise coincides with the decline of a young woman named Fantine. She is a single mother who is struggling to support her daughter Cosette. Due to the child’s illegitimacy, Fantine is unable to keep a job and is forced into prostitution. When the overzealous Inspector Javert arrests Fantine, the mayor intervenes on her behalf. This decision leads to an unexpected reveal and unfortunate tragedy. Les Misérables Volume One: Fantine features two of the most popular literary characters ever created. Both Fantine and Jean Valjean are beloved yet harrowing figures. They are part of a captivating tale that’s been adapted multiple times for stage, television and film. The most notable being the 2012 Oscar-winning production from director, Tom Hooper. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Les Misérables Volume One: Fantine is both modern and readable.

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Book SynopsisThe History of a Crime (1877) is a book-length essay by Victor Hugo. While Hugo is famous today for his status as a leading French poet and novelist of the nineteenth century, he was also a gifted historian and memoirist who served on the National Assembly of the Second Republic. Following the coup d’état of Napoleon III in 1851, Hugo was among the insurrectionists who revolted against military forces on the streets of Paris. Despite their efforts, the coup was successful, leading to Hugo’s exile until 1870. “To outrage Right, to suppress the Assembly, to abolish the Constitution, to strangle the Republic, to overthrow the Nation, to sully the Flag, to dishonor the Army, to suborn the Clergy and the Magistracy, to succeed, to triumph, to govern, to administer, to exile, to banish, to transport, to ruin, to assassinate, to reign, with such complicities that the law at last resembles a foul bed of corruption. What! All these enormities were to be committed! And by whom?” The French Second Republic was already in danger when Napoleon III was elected President of France in 1848. A populist, he was in constant conflict with the National Assembly and, nearing the end of his term, sought to seek reelection through constitutional change. When this avenue was denied, he began preparations for Operation Rubicon, a secret plan to conduct a coup d’état with the help of the Army and other high-ranking officials. On December 2nd, 1851, the anniversary of his uncle Napoleon Bonaparte’s coronation and victory at Austerlitz, the coup took place. Hugo, a National Assembly member, took to the streets of Paris with thousands of his fellow insurrectionaries, many of whom were beaten, arrested, and murdered for their actions. Despite their efforts, the coup was successful, leading to the reestablishment of the French Empire in 1852. Hugo’s essay—part history, part memoir—is a brilliant retelling of one of democracy’s darkest moments. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Victor Hugo’s The History of a Crime is a classic work of French literature reimagined for modern readers.

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Book SynopsisLovely Esmeralda, haunted by an obsessive would-be lover and unjustly accused of murder, unexpectedly finds a tormented protector in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Quasimodo the hunchback keeps to his duties as bell-ringer of Notre Dame cathedral and stays close to his guardian, the Archdeacon Claude Frollo. His devotion proves misguided when a plan of Frollo’s goes wrong and Quasimodo finds himself abused by a crowd and shown mercy only by the gypsy girl Esmeralda. The hunchback’s love and resolve to protect her leads to desperate action and tragedy when she is falsely accused of murder. Emotions run high as society’s elite falters and fails, and the lowest misfits of society prove their worth in this timeless epic of love, justice and redemption. The novel’s human characters have all but taken on lives of their own, but notice must be made of the author’s treatment of Notre Dame as the cathedral virtually becomes a character itself. The book’s loving descriptions spurred increased appreciation of Notre Dame as a symbol of Paris and inspired its preservation and renovation. The Hunchback of Notre Dame was first published in 1831 and has since been adapted to stage and screen many times, with more than one of the film versions attaining classic status. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Hunchback of Notre Dame is both modern and readable.

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Book SynopsisAfter Fantine’s death, her daughter Cosette remains at the inn where she endures frequent abuse from the owners before the unexpected arrival of Jean Valjean. The duo unites and work to create a better life for themselves away from the city. Following the events of Les Misérables Volume One: Fantine, Jean Valjean is once again on the wrong side of the law. After being sentenced to hard labor and eventually the death penalty, he barely escapes with his life. He travels to an inn where he encounters Cosette, the orphaned daughter of Fantine. He notices her abusive living conditions and attempts to remove her from the innkeepers care. Together, Jean and Cosette break away from the clutches of the owners as well as the cruel Inspector Javert. Les Misérables Volume Two: Cosette is the continuation of the tumultuous story of Jean Valjean. This is one part of a captivating tale that’s been adapted multiple times for stage, television and film. The most notable being the 2012 Oscar-winning production from director, Tom Hooper. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Les Misérables Volume Two: Cosette is both modern and readable.

Read more less

Book SynopsisLovely Esmeralda, haunted by an obsessive would-be lover and unjustly accused of murder, unexpectedly finds a tormented protector in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Quasimodo the hunchback keeps to his duties as bell-ringer of Notre Dame cathedral and stays close to his guardian, the Archdeacon Claude Frollo. His devotion proves misguided when a plan of Frollo’s goes wrong and Quasimodo finds himself abused by a crowd and shown mercy only by the gypsy girl Esmeralda. The hunchback’s love and resolve to protect her leads to desperate action and tragedy when she is falsely accused of murder. Emotions run high as society’s elite falters and fails, and the lowest misfits of society prove their worth in this timeless epic of love, justice and redemption. The novel’s human characters have all but taken on lives of their own, but notice must be made of the author’s treatment of Notre Dame as the cathedral virtually becomes a character itself. The book’s loving descriptions spurred increased appreciation of Notre Dame as a symbol of Paris and inspired its preservation and renovation. The Hunchback of Notre Dame was first published in 1831 and has since been adapted to stage and screen many times, with more than one of the film versions attaining classic status. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Hunchback of Notre Dame is both modern and readable.

Read more less

Book SynopsisLes Misérables Volume One: Fantine is the introduction to Victor Hugo’s acclaimed historical novel centering a weary hero and heroine torn by poverty and politics. It’s a captivating story marked by love, betrayal and ultimately, loss. The story follows former convict, Jean Valjean, who spent nearly two decades in prison for stealing food for his family. After he’s released, Valjean is unable to find work or proper lodging. He’s forced to sleep on the streets before a kind soul offers him food and shelter. Valjean decides to change his name, creating a new life for himself as a successful factory owner and mayor. Valjean’s rise coincides with the decline of a young woman named Fantine. She is a single mother who is struggling to support her daughter Cosette. Due to the child’s illegitimacy, Fantine is unable to keep a job and is forced into prostitution. When the overzealous Inspector Javert arrests Fantine, the mayor intervenes on her behalf. This decision leads to an unexpected reveal and unfortunate tragedy. Les Misérables Volume One: Fantine features two of the most popular literary characters ever created. Both Fantine and Jean Valjean are beloved yet harrowing figures. They are part of a captivating tale that’s been adapted multiple times for stage, television and film. The most notable being the 2012 Oscar-winning production from director, Tom Hooper. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Les Misérables Volume One: Fantine is both modern and readable.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAfter eight years away, Jean Valjean and Cosette, living under new identities attract the attention of their former innkeepers who are seeking money and revenge. With the help of an idealistic young man, the pair attempts to escape unscathed. Despite their rough origins, Jean Valjean and Cosette have managed to create a peaceful life for themselves. Cosette has grown into a beautiful young woman and catches the eye of Marius. The two of them fall in love but their courtship is interrupted by Cosette’s sudden departure. After a brief hiatus, Marius discovers Cosette and Valjean have adopted new names and occupations. They are living as wealthy philanthropists and are being targeted by the innkeepers who recently moved to their city. Once again, they plan to extort Valjean and use Cosette as leverage. In Les Misérables Volume Three: Marius, Valjean and Cosette are haunted by figures from their troubled past. Meanwhile, Marius is an unexpected ally who plays an integral role in their journey. This is one part of a captivating tale that’s been adapted multiple times for stage, television and film. The most notable being the 2012 Oscar-winning production from director, Tom Hooper. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Les Misérables Volume Three: Marius is both modern and readable.

Read more less

Book SynopsisMarius and Cosette’s union is strained by Valjean’s sudden plan to leave the country and the growing tension between the disillusioned students and national government. The couple struggles to navigate the unstable social and political climate. Following a close call with Inspector Javert, Jean Valjean plans to leave France for England. He informs Cosette, who is heartbroken, as she’s still in love with Marius. The young man attempts to take her hand in marriage but is sidetracked by social conventions that require his family’s blessing. Marius is also pulled into a student revolt which has taken over the city’s streets. A revolution has begun, and everyone is forced to choose a side. Les Misérables Volume Four is an action-heavy entry in Victor Hugo’s enduring story. Characters and ideals collide during a volatile exchange that shifts the direction of the entire series. This is one part of a captivating tale that’s been adapted multiple times for stage, television and film. The most notable being the 2012 Oscar-winning production from director, Tom Hooper. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Les Misérables Volume Four: The Idyll in the Rue Plumet and the Epic in the Rue St. Denis is both modern and readable.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAt the height of the student revolt, Valjean arrives at the barricade and saves multiple lives including Marius, who is still eager to find Cosette. Despite his family and Valjean’s reservations, Marius is committed to marrying her. Jean Valjean joins the revolt and finds the streets in disarray. He locates Marius who has been badly injured but is still alive. While attempting to bring Marius to safety, Valjean encounters a couple of dangerous figures from his past. Inspector Javert finds himself in a peculiar position where Valjean expresses mercy instead of vengeance. It’s an unsuspecting act that challenges his outlook. Elsewhere, Marius heals and finally reunites with Cosette. The couple decides to get married but are blindsided by Valjean’s unspoken truth. Les Misérables Volume Five: Jean Valjean is a brilliant finale to one of the most revered novels of all-time. It is a compelling story marked by unforgettable characters. This is a captivating tale that’s been adapted multiple times for stage, television and film. The most notable being the 2012 Oscar-winning production from director, Tom Hooper. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Les Misérables Volume Five: Jean Valjean is both modern and readable.

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Book SynopsisThe Memoirs of Victor Hugo (1899) is an autobiographical work by Victor Hugo. Assembled from diaries and manuscripts left behind by the author following his death in 1895, the Memoirs are as much a record of a life as they are a portrait of nineteenth century France. Told from the perspective of a supremely gifted artist whose command of language is matched only by his commitment to morality, The Memoirs of Victor Hugo is an invaluable text for scholars and fans alike—there is no shortage of interesting details and brilliant reflections within. For a writer of Hugo’s stature, whose poems, plays, novels, and essays earned him a reputation on an international scale as one of the nineteenth century’s premier artists, there is always the chance that the myth will outlast the man, and that the work will fall victim to idolization. For Hugo, despite his immense success both during his life and in the twentieth century as his stories formed the basis for beloved films and musicals, this would very much have been the case if not for his understated Memoirs, which carefully place his life in context of the time in which he lived. Beginning with his youth, which coincided with the coronation of Charles X, Hugo moves through the passages of his memory while stopping to remember the literary heroes, such as Shakespeare, who influenced his vision of the world. As France descends into war and hunger, Hugo is there to guide us through the chaos, to show us the light that waits on the other side, distant but never too far out of reach. His story is the story of France, a personal history interwoven with meditations on faith, politics, and philosophy that remain essential to his legacy as one of France’s greatest literary figures. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Victor Hugo’s The Memoirs of Victor Hugo is a classic work of French literature reimagined for modern readers.

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Book SynopsisThe Last Day of a Condemned Man (1829) is a short novel by Victor Hugo. Having witnessed several executions by guillotine as a young man, Hugo devoted himself in his art and political life to opposing the death penalty in France. Praised by Dostoevsky as “absolutely the most real and truthful of everything that Hugo wrote,” The Last Day of a Condemned Man is a powerful story from an author who defined nineteenth century French literature. If you knew when and where you would die, how would you spend your final moments? For Hugo’s unnamed narrator, such an existential question is made reality. Sentenced to death for an unspecified crime, he reflects on his life as its last seconds wane in the shadows of a cramped prison cell. Recording his emotional state, observations, and conversations with a priest and fellow prisoner, the condemned man forces us to not only recognize his humanity, but question our own. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Victor Hugo’s The Last Day of a Condemned Man is a classic work of French literature reimagined for modern readers.

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Book SynopsisWilliam Shakespeare (1864) is an experimental biography by Victor Hugo. Written while the poet was living in exile on the island of Guernsey, William Shakespeare was doomed to fail at its conception. Condemned by critics who expected Hugo to focus on the works of the Elizabethan playwright, William Shakespeare is in reality a sweeping biography of literature itself, a touching tribute to the spirit of creativity which defines humanity’s life on earth and beyond. “There are men, oceans in reality. These waves; this ebb and flow; this terrible go-and-come; this noise of every gust; these lights and shadows; these vegetations belonging to the gulf […] –all this can exist in one spirit; and then this spirit is called genius, and you have Aeschylus, you have Isaiah, you have Juvenal, you have Dante, you have Michael Angelo, you have Shakespeare; and looking at these minds is the same thing as to look at the ocean.” For a writer of Hugo’s stature, whose poems, plays, novels, and essays earned him a reputation on an international scale as one of the nineteenth century’s premier artists, there is always the chance that the myth will outlast the man, and that the work will fall victim to idolization. In William Shakespeare, he leans into this tendency to immortalize the artist while forgetting the art. Begun as a simple introduction to his son’s translation of Shakespeare’s works into French, the project ballooned into something much greater, allowing Hugo to meditate on the nature of creativity and to situate the contribution of one writer within the history of humanity itself. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Victor Hugo’s William Shakespeare is a classic work of French literature reimagined for modern readers.

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Book SynopsisWhere there is love, there is hope.Accompanying a 6-part series on BBC One from the makers of War and Peace, and starring Dominic West, Lily Collins, David Oyelowo and Olivia Coleman, this edition of Les Misérables also has a foreword from screenwriter Andrew Davies (War and Peace, Pride and Prejudice).Les Misérables is Victor Hugo's classic tale of injustice, heroism and love following the fortunes of Jean Valjean, an escaped convict determined to put his criminal past behind him. Those attempts are constantly put under threat: by his own conscience, and by the relentless investigations of the dogged policeman Javert. A compelling and compassionate view of the victims of early nineteenth-century French society, this is a novel on an epic scale, moving from the Battle of Waterloo to the the June rebellion of 1832. With striking intensity and relevance to us today, it is testimony to the struggles of France's underclass.

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