1890 Rare Victorian Book - Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. Illustrated.
(description)
Author: Victor Hugo. (Preface, Lascelles Wraxall).
Title: Les Miserables: Complete in One Volume.
Publisher: New York, London, Glasgow and Manchester, George Routledge and Sons, Limited, no date (1890). Complete One Volume Edition.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 7.5" X 5.5".
Pages: vii-465, 506 pages.
Binding: Attractive and very good decorative blue full-cloth binding with intricate designs in black and gilt. The front cover features the title and author’s name with elaborate floral and geometric ornamentation, displaying the aesthetic sensibility of the late 19th century. The spine is similarly decorated, with "Victor Hugo" and "Les Misérables" in gilt (hinges fine, overall slightly worn and scuffed - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover.
Content: Very good content (bright, tight, and clean, with some slight toning due to age - as shown).
Illustrations: Complete with the frontispiece and the five full-page illustrations.
Estimate: (USD 300 - USD 350)
The book: Les Misérables is Victor Hugo's magnum opus, an exploration of justice, love, and societal reform set against the backdrop of post-revolutionary France. First published in 1862, this novel transcends the mere tale of characters struggling with poverty and morality; it is a profound reflection on the human condition. This particular edition by George Routledge and Sons encapsulates Hugo's narrative in a visually captivating form, making it a cherished collectible for literary enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The author: Victor Hugo (1802–1885) was one of France's most prominent Romantic authors, known for his vivid prose and social activism. Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame established him as a critical voice for justice and empathy, impacting readers worldwide. His work extends beyond literature, reflecting his political ideologies and humanistic principles.