A monumental classic and one of the most widely read novels in history,
Les Misérables portrays the epic struggle between good and evil in the
soul of one man: Jean Valjean. In a world brutalized by poverty and
ignorance, the ex-convict struggles to renew his life and reaffirm his
humanity. But he is haunted, both by his seemingly inescapable past and
the malignant shadow of the infamous police detective Javert.
Rich in detail, packed with adventure, and filled with the sweep of
human passions, Les Misérables is more than a literary masterpiece --
it remains a powerful social document. Dedicated to the poor, the
oppressed, and the misunderstood, this captivating novel captures the
impossible societal layers -- and the essence of life -- as it truly
existed in nineteenth-century France.
This fine edition features the renowned original translation and a
sensitive abridgment.