Author
Victor Hugo
1802-1885
Victor Hugo (1802-1885) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Victor Hugo
Les Misérables
"Les Misérables" by Victor Hugo is a French epic historical novel published in 1862. Beginning in 1815 and culminating in the 1832 June Rebellion in Paris, it follows ex-convict Jean Valjean's struggle for redemption. The novel explores the nature of law and grace, examining themes of justice, poverty, and love through the lives of interconnected characters in nineteenth-century France. Considered one of the greatest novels of its century, it depicts society's most downtrodden members and their fight for dignity.
Les misérables Tome I: Fantine
"Les misérables Tome I: Fantine" by Victor Hugo is a French epic historical novel first published in 1862. Set between 1815 and the 1832 June Rebellion in Paris, it follows ex-convict Jean Valjean's struggle for redemption. The novel explores law and grace, justice and mercy, while examining the lives of society's most downtrodden members. Hugo weaves together themes of poverty, love, and moral philosophy against the backdrop of French history and Parisian life, creating what many consider one of the greatest novels of the 19th century.
Notre-Dame de Paris
"Notre-Dame de Paris" by Victor Hugo is a French Gothic novel published in 1831. Set in 15th-century Paris, it tells the tragic story of Quasimodo, the deformed bell-ringer of Notre-Dame Cathedral, the beautiful Romani dancer Esmeralda, and the obsessed Archdeacon Claude Frollo. Their intertwined fates unfold against the backdrop of the iconic cathedral, which Hugo championed for preservation. A model of Romantic literature, the novel explores impossible love, jealousy, and the plight of society's outcasts in a tale that has become a classic of French literature.
Poems
"Poems" by Victor Hugo is a collection of poetic works penned in the late 19th century. This anthology showcases Hugo’s mastery of language and his profound engagement with themes of love, loss, and the human experience. The collection features a mix of early poems, odes, and ballads, which reflect the author's emotional depth and political ideology, encapsulating his artistic evolution over the years. The beginning of "Poems" introduces readers to Victor Hugo's life and contexts shaping his writing. The memoir presents a brief biography, highlighting Hugo's experiences during turbulent times in France, from the Revolution to his emergence as a literary giant. Following the memoir, the opening poems express Hugo's range of emotions and thoughts, beginning with "Moses on the Nile," which explores the tender rescue of an infant by a royal figure amidst a backdrop of despair and political strife. Another notable piece, "Envy and Avarice," depicts two sisters embodying these vices, ultimately leading to a moral reflection on the human condition. The initial chapters set the stage for a rich exploration of Hugo's poetic vision, inviting readers into a world filled with evocative imagery and poignant themes.
Notre-Dame de Paris - Tome 1
"Notre-Dame de Paris - Tome 1" by Victor Hugo is a French Gothic novel published in 1831. Set in 15th-century Paris, it tells the tragic story of Quasimodo, the deformed bell-ringer of Notre-Dame Cathedral, the beautiful Romani dancer Esmeralda, and the tormented Archdeacon Claude Frollo. Their intertwined fates unfold against the backdrop of the iconic cathedral, exploring themes of obsession, unrequited love, and social outcasts. Written during cultural upheaval, Hugo's work championed the preservation of Gothic architecture while creating a timeless masterpiece of Romantic literature.
Napoleon the Little
"Napoleon the Little" by Victor Hugo is a political critique written in the mid-19th century. This work serves as a scathing examination of Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte's rise to power and the consequences of his actions, framing him as a usurper who betrayed the republic. The book delves into the events surrounding Bonaparte’s election and subsequent coup d'état, exploring themes of democracy, tyranny, and the moral decay of society. The opening of the text sets the stage for this critique by recounting the significant moment on December 20, 1848, when Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte is declared President of the French Republic after receiving a majority vote. It describes the atmosphere in the National Assembly as Bonaparte takes his oath of office, highlighting the tension between hope for democratic ideals and the looming threat of autocracy. Victor Hugo reflects on the collective memory of opposing representatives and the foreboding nature of Bonaparte’s future actions, foreshadowing the eventual betrayal of the very principles he swore to uphold. The opening establishes a stark contrast between the promise of the republic and the reality of Bonaparte's ambition, preparing the reader for the unfolding tragedy of French political life under his rule.
The History of a Crime The Testimony of an Eye-Witness
"The History of a Crime" by Victor Hugo is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. The book details the events surrounding the coup d'état of December 2, 1851, when Louis Bonaparte manipulated a situation to dissolve the National Assembly and suppress political opposition. The narrative is intensely focused on the perspectives of various representatives, highlighting themes of betrayal, the struggle for democracy, and the moral dilemmas faced by those who stood against tyranny. At the start of the work, Hugo offers a gripping account of the atmosphere leading up to the coup, emphasizing the disbelief and eventual shock experienced by the representatives of the republic who were arrested in their homes. Through a series of dialogues and reflections from key characters, including a prominent representative, the unfolding crisis is vividly depicted, as they grapple with the implications of their leader's actions. The tension rises with the early-morning arrests, leaving the remaining representatives to rally and consider their response to defend the republic. Hugo masterfully lays the foundation for a story that reflects both the political upheaval of the time and the larger struggle of civic responsibility versus personal safety.
The Memoirs of Victor Hugo
"The Memoirs of Victor Hugo" by Victor Hugo is a collection of autobiographical reflections and historical accounts written during the late 19th century. The text follows the life of the renowned French author, providing a vivid portrayal of his experiences and observations throughout a transformative era in France, marked by political upheaval and cultural evolution. The opening of this memoir establishes the dual nature of the work as both historical and intimate, delving into Hugo's personal encounters and impressions of significant events, including the coronation of Charles X and the execution of Louis XVI. The narrative begins with Hugo recalling a trip to Rheims in 1825, where he first heard of Shakespeare, intertwining memories of royal ceremonies with reflections on art and literature. Initial snapshots depict not only the grandeur of the era but also the naïveté and folly of the characters involved in these historical moments. This blend of personal memoir and historical commentary sets the stage for a rich exploration of Hugo's life, littered with anecdotes that reflect the wider societal transformations of his time.
Les misérables Tome III: Marius
"Les misérables Tome III: Marius" by Victor Hugo is the third volume of an epic historical novel first published in 1862. This section follows the lives of characters caught in the tumultuous period between 1815 and the 1832 June Rebellion in Paris. The novel examines themes of law and grace, redemption, justice, and love while exploring the struggles of France's most downtrodden citizens. Hugo drew inspiration from real events he witnessed, including street arrests, barricades, and the social inequalities of nineteenth-century Paris.
The Man Who Laughs: A Romance of English History
"The Man Who Laughs: A Romance of English History" by Victor Hugo is a Gothic novel published in 1869. Set in late 17th-century England, it follows Gwynplaine, a young nobleman disfigured as a child by royal command, his face carved into a permanent grin. Traveling with a philosopher and a blind girl he rescued, Gwynplaine becomes a carnival performer whose grotesque smile provokes laughter and desire. When his true identity surfaces, he's thrust into a cruel aristocratic world that destroyed him, forcing a confrontation between his past and present.
Toilers of the sea
"Toilers of the Sea" by Victor Hugo is a novel published in 1866. Set on Guernsey after the Napoleonic Wars, it follows Gilliatt, a social outcast who loves Deruchette, a shipowner's niece. When a steamship wrecks on a dangerous reef, Deruchette promises to marry whoever salvages its engine. Gilliatt volunteers for this perilous mission, facing extreme physical challenges including a deadly battle with an octopus, while enduring the scorn of his community in pursuit of an uncertain reward.
Ninety-Three
"Ninety-Three" by Victor Hugo is a novel published in 1874. Set during the French Revolution's bloody Vendée uprising of 1793, it follows a Royalist marquis, a Republican commander, and a revolutionary priest as their ideologies and loyalties collide in war-torn Brittany. When three orphaned children become trapped between opposing forces, acts of mercy and principle force each man to confront the human cost of revolution. Hugo portrays both sides as idealistic yet ruthless, exploring whether compassion can survive amid political extremism.
William Shakespeare
"William Shakespeare" by Victor Hugo is a work of literary criticism written in 1864 during his thirteenth year of exile. Originally intended as an introduction to his son's Shakespeare translations, it expanded into a sweeping examination of history's greatest literary geniuses—from Homer and Dante to Cervantes and Shakespeare himself. Hugo's passionate, idiosyncratic study became more self-revelation than literary analysis, prompting French critics to suggest he should have titled it "Myself." The work includes Hugo's influential argument for a "vast public literary domain."
La Légende des Siècles
"La Légende des Siècles" by Victor Hugo is a collection of poems written intermittently between 1855 and 1876. Conceived as an epic depiction of human history and evolution, the work traces humanity's journey from biblical times through the distant future. Published in three series while Hugo lived in exile, the poems span civilizations and centuries—from Eve to Christ, through Rome's decline and the age of knights, to visions of the twentieth century and beyond. Often considered a modern French epic, it presents Hugo's sweeping vision of mankind's struggles and progress.
Les Misérables, v. 4/5: The Idyll and the Epic
"Les Misérables, v. 4/5: The Idyll and the Epic" by Victor Hugo is the fourth volume of a French epic historical novel first published in 1862. This section follows the lives of ex-convict Jean Valjean and other characters through their struggles in nineteenth-century France, culminating in the 1832 June Rebellion in Paris. The novel examines themes of redemption, justice, law and grace, while exploring the nature of romantic and familial love against the backdrop of French history and Parisian society.
Les Misérables, v. 1/5: Fantine
"Les Misérables, v. 1/5: Fantine" by Victor Hugo is a French epic historical novel first published in 1862. Set between 1815 and the 1832 June Rebellion in Paris, it follows ex-convict Jean Valjean's struggle for redemption alongside other interwoven lives. The novel examines law and grace, justice and mercy, while exploring the depths of poverty, suffering, and human dignity in nineteenth-century France. Hugo's masterwork traces a journey from darkness to light, from injustice to justice, depicting society's most downtrodden members with unflinching compassion.
Les misérables Tome V: Jean Valjean
"Les misérables Tome V: Jean Valjean" by Victor Hugo is the fifth and final volume of an epic historical novel first published in 1862. Beginning in 1815 and culminating in the 1832 June Rebellion in Paris, the work follows ex-convict Jean Valjean's struggle for redemption as his life intertwines with other characters in turbulent France. Hugo examines law and grace, justice and mercy, exploring the depths of human misery and the possibility of transformation from darkness to light, from despair to hope.
Les Misérables, v. 5/5: Jean Valjean
"Les Misérables, v. 5/5: Jean Valjean" by Victor Hugo is the final volume of an epic historical novel first published in 1862. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, culminating in the 1832 June Rebellion, the novel follows ex-convict Jean Valjean's struggle for redemption. This masterwork explores justice, grace, love, and moral philosophy through interconnected lives of the downtrodden. Hugo examines poverty's degradation, society's condemnation, and humanity's journey from darkness to light—a progress from injustice to justice, corruption to life.
L'homme Qui Rit
"L'homme Qui Rit" by Victor Hugo is a philosophical and dramatic novel published in April 1869. Set in late 17th and early 18th century England, it follows the fate of Gwynplaine, a young boy abandoned by comprachicos—child traders who mutilate children for profit. Left with a face carved into a permanent smile, Gwynplaine's path crosses with Ursus, a wandering philosopher, and his wolf companion. Hugo weaves together themes of aristocracy, human cruelty, and social injustice in this sweeping tale.
Les Misérables, v. 3/5: Marius
"Les Misérables, v. 3/5: Marius" by Victor Hugo is the third volume of a novel published in 1862. This section follows the lives of characters caught in the turbulent years leading to the 1832 June Rebellion in Paris. The narrative explores themes of justice, redemption, and love against the backdrop of French history and social upheaval. Hugo weaves together the struggles of former convict Jean Valjean with new characters, examining the nature of law, grace, and the harsh realities facing society's most vulnerable members.
Actes et Paroles, Volume 3
"Actes et Paroles, Volume 3" by Victor Hugo is a collection of political writings and reflections penned during the late 19th century. This volume explores themes related to exile, the nature of insurrections, and the responsibilities of citizens within a republic, reflecting Hugo's deep engagement with the socio-political landscape of his time. The text delves into poignant meditations on patriotism, the struggles faced during periods of conflict, and the moral imperatives of clemency and resistance. The opening of this volume reveals reflections on exile, specifically the author's return to France after years of political banishment. Hugo discusses the emotional weight of returning to a homeland marked by suffering and devastation, particularly in the context of the Franco-Prussian War. He poignantly contrasts two distinct crowds—the impoverished and those in power—highlighting the revolutionary fervor of the former against the complacency of the latter. Hugo's discourse also touches upon the nature of insurrection and the vital role of education, suggesting that the influences around an individual shape their capacity for civility and compassion. Overall, the beginning sets a tone of urgency and moral clarity, inviting readers to contemplate the reconciliation of past injustices with a vision for a more equitable future.
Les Misérables, v. 2/5: Cosette
"Les Misérables, v. 2/5: Cosette" by Victor Hugo is the second volume of an epic historical novel first published in 1862. Beginning in 1815 and culminating in the 1832 June Rebellion in Paris, this installment continues following ex-convict Jean Valjean's struggle for redemption alongside other interconnected characters. The novel examines law and grace, French history, moral philosophy, justice, religion, and the nature of love. Hugo portrays society from the perspective of its most downtrodden members, exploring themes of poverty, starvation, and injustice in a work he described as a journey from evil to good.
Les misérables Tome IV: L'idylle rue Plumet et l'épopée rue Saint-Denis
"Les misérables Tome IV: L'idylle rue Plumet et l'épopée rue Saint-Denis" by Victor Hugo is the fourth volume of an epic historical novel first published in 1862. This installment continues the story of ex-convict Jean Valjean's quest for redemption as events build toward the 1832 June Rebellion in Paris. The novel examines law and grace, justice and love, while following the intersecting lives of characters caught between personal struggles and revolutionary upheaval in nineteenth-century France.
Index of the Project Gutenberg Works of Victor Hugo
"Index of the Project Gutenberg Works of Victor Hugo" by Victor Hugo is a comprehensive compilation of the literary works of the renowned French author, known for his novels, plays, and poetry from the early to mid-19th century. This index serves as a guide to his extensive body of work, which includes titles like "Les Misérables," "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame," and "Toilers of the Sea." The likely topic of the book revolves around themes of social injustice, human struggle, and personal redemption, reflecting the author's deep engagement with the political and social issues of his time. This index not only lists Hugo's major works but also provides a glimpse into his thematic preoccupations and the evolution of his literary career. Victor Hugo’s works explore a wide range of characters and narratives, from the tragic plight of the marginalized to historical portrayals that comment on the societal structures of his era. In "Les Misérables," for instance, the story of Jean Valjean is interwoven with the larger social and political turmoil of 19th-century France, while "Marie Tudor" and "Marion de Lorme" delve into historical drama and the complexities of human emotions in different contexts. As a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike, the index encapsulates Hugo’s literary legacy and encourages readers to explore the profound depths of his storytelling.