Best Selling Books by Victor HUGO

The Hunchback of Notre-Dame is a French Gothic novel by Victor Hugo, published in 1831.

More commonly known as The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, Victor Hugo's Romantic novel of dark passions and unrequited love.In the vaulted Gothic towers of Notre-Dame Cathedral lives Quasimodo, the hunchbacked bellringer. Mocked and shunned for his appearance, he is pitied only by Esmerelda, a beautiful gypsy dancer to whom he becomes completely devoted. Esmerelda, however, has also attracted the attention of the sinister archdeacon Claude Frollo, and when she rejects his lecherous approaches, Frollo hatches a plot to destroy her, that only Quasimodo can prevent. Victor Hugo's sensational, evocative novel brings life to the medieval Paris he loved, and mourns its passing in one of the greatest historical romances of the nineteenth century.

Victor Hugo wrote this work whilst in exile for taking part in the events herein described. His story is thrillingly told. The world for the first time gets all the details of the coup d' état by which Louis Napoleon became emperor of France. The book reads like a novel, and yet its action only goes over two days and is all strictly historical. Its publication caused a great excitement in Paris that October, and probably prevented a similar attack upon the liberties of France and the Republic. At all events, it was this fear which caused Victor Hugo to make his testimony public; for he said, "This work is more than opportune; it is imperative. I publish it."

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

In "The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Illustrated Edition)," Victor Hugo masterfully intertwines the themes of love, fate, and the quest for acceptance against the vibrant backdrop of medieval Paris. This richly illustrated edition enhances Hugo's exquisite prose, further immersing readers in the evocative imagery of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral and its surrounding urban landscape. The narrative unfolds through the poignant lives of its tragic characters, such as the deformed bell-ringer Quasimodo and the beautiful Esmeralda, encapsulating the dichotomy between societal judgment and innate compassion while embracing the Romantic literary style that characterized Hugo's work during the 19th century. Victor Hugo, a towering figure in French literature, was deeply influenced by his tumultuous surroundings, including the socio-political upheaval of his time, which instilled in him a profound empathy for the marginalized. His experiences as a political exile and his unwavering commitment to social justice resonate throughout "Hunchback," amplifying its themes of human dignity and compassion amidst societal neglect. An advocate for the downtrodden, Hugo's own life journey shaped his narrative approach, lending authenticity and depth to the characters he crafted. This illustrated edition of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" is not only a captivating tale of love and tragedy but also a profound commentary on the human condition. I recommend this book to all readers who seek both aesthetic pleasure and meaningful reflection within literature, as it remains a timeless exploration of beauty, conflict, and redemption in contemporary society. In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience: - A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes. - The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists. - A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing. - An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text. - A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings. - Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life. - Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

au cours d'une analepse, revient sur la naissance de Quasimodo, sur la jeunesse de Claude Frollo et sur les conditions dans lesquelles l'archidiacre a adopt� le bossu. Frollo, dont la vie est enti�rement consacr�e � la qu�te du savoir, ne porte d'affection qu'� deux personnes : son fr�re Jehan, un �colier dissip� qui d�pense r�guli�rement leurs maigres �conomies au cabaret et dans les maisons de passe ; et le bossu Quasimodo, qu'il a recueilli tout enfant lorsqu'il a �t� abandonn� devant la cath�drale. Frollo n'a jamais �prouv� de passion pour les femmes, dont il a une pi�tre opinion, et il d�teste les boh�miens.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame (French: Notre-Dame de Paris) is an 1831 French novel written by Victor Hugo. It is set in 1482 in Paris, in and around the cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris. The book tells the story of a poor barefoot Gypsy girl (La Esmeralda) and a misshapen bell-ringer (Quasimodo) who was raised by the Archdeacon (Claude Frollo). The book was written as a statement to preserve the Notre Dame cathedral and not to 'modernize' it, as Hugo was thoroughly against this. The story begins during the Renaissance in 1482, the day of the Festival of Fools in Paris. Quasimodo, the deformed bell ringer, is introduced by his crowning as Pope of Fools. Esméralda, a beautiful 16-year-old gypsy with a kind and generous heart, captures the hearts of many men but especially Quasimodo's adopted father, Claude Frollo. Frollo is torn between his lust and the rules of the church. He orders Quasimodo to get her. Quasimodo is caught and whipped and ordered to be tied down in the heat. Esméralda seeing his thirst, offers him water. It saves her, for she captures the heart of the hunchback.

Les Mis�rables (French pronunciation is a French historical novel by Victor Hugo, first published in 1862, that is considered one of the greatest novels of the 19th century. In the English-speaking world, the novel is usually referred to by its original French title. However, several alternatives have been used, including The Miserables, The Wretched, The Miserable Ones, The Poor Ones, The Wretched Poor, The Victims and The Dispossessed.[1] Beginning in 1815 and culminating in the 1832 June Rebellion in Paris, the novel follows the lives and interactions of several characters, particularly the struggles of ex-convict Jean Valjean and his experience of redemption.[2]Examining the nature of law and grace, the novel elaborates upon the history of France, the architecture and urban design of Paris, politics, moral philosophy, antimonarchism, justice, religion, and the types and nature of romantic and familial love. Les Mis�rables has been popularized through numerous adaptations for the stage, television, and film, including a musical and a film adaptation of that musical.

Victor Hugo's first novel, Hans of Iceland , is a northern romance, in which the youthful writer has turned to great account the savage wilds, gloomy lakes, stormy seas, pathless caves, and ruined fortresses of Scandinavia. A savage being, and as savage as the scenery around him, - human in his birth, but more akin to the brute in his nature; diminutive, but with a giant's strength; whose hobby is assassination, who lives literally as well as metaphorically on blood, - is the hero; and around this monster are grouped some of the strangest, ghastliest, and yet not wholly unnatural beings which it is possible for the imagination to conceive,- Spiagudry, the keeper of the dead-house or Morgue of Drontheim, and Orugex, the state executioner; - while gentler forms, the noble and persecuted Schumacher, and the devoted and innocent Ethel, relieve the pastimes of crime and horror.