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  • Published: 15 October 2008
  • ISBN: 9780679643333
  • Imprint: Random House US Group
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 1376
  • RRP: $69.99

Les Miserables





One of the greatest epic novels of all time, in a major new translation by Julie Rose.

In this major new rendition by the acclaimed translator Julie Rose, Victor Hugo’s tour de force, Les Misérables, is revealed in its full unabridged glory. A favorite of readers for nearly 150 years, and the basis for one of the most beloved stage musicals ever, this stirring tale of crime, punishment, justice, and redemption pulses with life and energy. Hugo sweeps readers from the French provinces to the back alleys of Paris, and from the battlefield of Waterloo to the bloody ramparts of Paris during the uprising of 1832.

First published in 1862, this sprawling novel is an extravagant historical epic that is teeming with harrowing adventures and unforgettable characters. In the protagonist, Jean Valjean, a quintessential prisoner of conscience who languished for years in prison for stealing bread to feed his starving family, Les Misérables depicts one of the grand themes in literature–that of the hunted man. Woven into the narrative are the prevalent social issues of Hugo’s day: injustice, authoritarian rule, social inequality, civic unrest. And this new translation brings astonishing vivacity and depth to Hugo’s immortal dramatis personae–the relentless police detective Javert, the saintly bishop Myriel, the tragic prostitute Fantine and her innocent daughter, Cosette, the dashing lover Marius, and many others whom Jean Valjean encounters on his path to sublime sacrifice.

Featuring an Introduction by the award-winning journalist and author Adam Gopnik, this Modern Library edition is an outstanding, authoritative translation of a masterpiece, a literary high-wire act that continues to astonish, stimulate, enlighten, and entertain readers around the world.

  • Published: 15 October 2008
  • ISBN: 9780679643333
  • Imprint: Random House US Group
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 1376
  • RRP: $69.99

Other books in the series

Emma
Persuasion
The Black Tulip
The Lady of the Camellias
On Sparta
Love
Annals
Military Dispatches

Also by Victor Hugo

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Praise for Les Miserables

PRAISE FOR JULIE ROSE'S TRANSLATION OF THE MODERN LIBRARY EDITION OF THE KNIGHT OF MAISON-ROUGE:
"This translation by Julie Rose....is a precious gift. ...vintage Dumas...as thrilling and readable a historical romance as you're likely to find." - Salon.com

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