Victor Hugo Books
Browse Barnes & Noble for all the books by Victor Hugo as well as a large selection of books about the writer. Prolific in various genres of writing, the novelist, playwright and poet known for such masterpieces as Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame is considered one of the greatest French authors of all time. Hugo’s American readers know him best for books that feature memorable characters like Jean Valjean, Inspector Javert, Esmeralda and Quasimodo, which he uses to demonstrate complex moral and philosophical themes and the scope of societal injustice.
Hugo’s historical novel, Les Misérables , is an enormous and timeless classic that dives into some of the most tragic elements of the human condition. The gothic novel, The Hunchback of Notre-Dame , is another one of Victor Hugo's most popular books featuring a famous tale of unrequited love and social injustice. Both of these widely read books were turned into popular motion pictures and thriving theatrical productions. Other novels by Victor Hugo include The Man Who Laughs and Toilers of the Sea .
Find Victor Hugo’s Selected Poems here, too. Hugo received widespread recognition for his poems including one of his most famous, “Accusation,” through which Hugo fiercely condemns the atrocities inflicted by Napoleon III. His impactful poetry collections are enjoyed not only in France, but read by fans and scholars all over the world. Hugo’s emotionally charged poems like “The Poor People” and “Les Djinns” advocate for justice and reflect upon various aspects of the human condition.
Although Victor Hugo is remembered for his novels and poetry books, he was wholeheartedly dedicated to social and political issues of his time. Hugo was very outspoken about women’s rights, slavery, poverty, freedom of the press and was committed to human rights at large. Aside from politics and writing, the author used drawing as a creative outlet and his numerous drawings still exist today. Hugo died in Paris at age 83 and his funeral was attended by more than 2 million people.
If you're a fan of Victor Hugo's writing, you may also enjoy authors like Alexandre Dumas , Charles Dickens and Leo Tolstoy .
Why was Victor Hugo exiled?
Because Victor Hugo was very outspoken about his political views, he vocally expressed his outrage when Napoleon III imposed authoritarian rule by declaring himself Emperor. Hugo criticized Napoleon by calling him a traitor and in order to avoid persecution, chose exile.
5 Famous Victor Hugo Quotes from His Novel Les Misérables
“To love another person is to see the face of God.”
“Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.”
“It is nothing to die. It is frightful not to live.”
“Those who do not weep, do not see.”
“Laughter is sunshine, it chases winter from the human face.”
