Victor Hugo: His Life and Work

by George Barnett Smith

"Victor Hugo: His Life and Work" by George Barnett Smith is a biographical account written in the late 19th century. The book explores the life, trials, and literary achievements of the renowned French writer Victor Hugo, tracing his personal history and his contributions to poetry, novels, and drama. It particularly details his journey from a troubled childhood to becoming a celebrated figure of romantic literature, capturing his struggles and triumphs along the way. The opening of the book sets a historical context, noting the grandeur of France under Napoleon, paralleling it with the birth of Victor Hugo in 1802. It delves into Hugo's lineage, illuminating the significant influences from his family and environment that shaped his character and future aspirations. Early chapters describe his childhood struggles, including health issues and sentimentality, and highlight his early poetic endeavors and familial relationships, all of which would later feed into his expansive career as a poet, novelist, and social activist. The narrative sets the tone for a thorough exploration of Hugo's motivations, challenges, and the societal backdrop against which he wrote his powerful works.