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One of the most widely read novels of all time, Les Miserables was the crowning literary achievement of Victor Hugo's stunning career. Includes unique vintage illustrations.

The story begins in 1815 in Digne, as the peasant Jean Valjean, just released from 19 years' imprisonment in the Bagne of Toulon-five for stealing bread for his starving sister and her family and fourteen more for numerous escape attempts-is turned away by innkeepers because his yellow passport marks him as a former convict. He sleeps on the street, angry and bitter.Digne's benevolent Bishop Myriel gives him shelter. At night, Valjean runs off with Myriel's silverware. When the police capture Valjean, Myriel pretends that he has given the silverware to Valjean and presses him to take two silver candlesticks as well, as if he had forgotten to take them. The police accept his explanation and leave. Myriel tells Valjean that his life has been spared for God, and that he should use money from the silver candlesticks to make an honest man of himself.

A New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice Winner of the American Library in Paris Book Award, 2017 Les Misérables is among the most popular and enduring novels ever written. Like Inspector Javert’s dogged pursuit of Jean Valjean, its appeal has never waned, but only grown broader in its one-hundred-and-fifty-year life. Whether we encounter Victor Hugo’s story on the page, onstage, or on-screen, Les Misérables continues to captivate while also, perhaps unexpectedly, speaking to contemporary concerns. In The Novel of the Century, the acclaimed scholar and translator David Bellos tells us why. This enchanting biography of a classic of world literature is written for “Les Mis” fanatics and novices alike. Casting decades of scholarship into accessible narrative form, Bellos brings to life the extraordinary story of how Victor Hugo managed to write his novel of the downtrodden despite a revolution, a coup d’état, and political exile; how he pulled off a pathbreaking deal to get it published; and how his approach to the “social question” would define his era’s moral imagination. More than an ode to Hugo’s masterpiece, The Novel of the Century also shows that what Les Misérables has to say about poverty, history, and revolution is full of meaning today.

This beautifully illustrated classic brings new life and color to a beloved story. Les Misérables is a tale of forgiveness, justice, and the will to survive amid the shadow of war and the turmoil of the French Revolution. Since its first publication in 1862, Les Misérables has inspired millions to embrace sacrificial love and extend compassion to the poor, lost, and marginalized. For the first time, Victor Hugo’s masterpiece is now a special abridged edition complete with: French-inspired watercolor paintings Decorative hand-lettering Beautiful full-page illustrated quotes Vintage artwork This beautiful copy is a perfect addition to the shelf of classic literature lovers. As the most visually striking rendition of Les Misérables since the 25th Anniversary PBS Special, it is ideal for any fan of Victor Hugo’s revolutionary work.

Victor Hugo's epic classic, set in 19th century France, retold in just 64 pages. First published in 1862, Les Miserables is one of the most famous books in the world thanks in part to various film and musical adaptations. This simple but dramatic retelling, with engaging illustrations, makes the novel accessible for readers young and old.

One of the most widely read novels of all time, Les Miserables was the crowning literary achievement of Victor Hugo's stunning career. Includes unique vintage illustrations.

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