Details
HUGO, Victor (1802-1885). Les Misérables. Translated from the original French by Charles E. Wilbour. New York: Carleton, 1862.
5 volumes, 8o. Original plum cloth (spines rebacked preserving original backstrips); quarter morocco folding case with leather and cloth onlaid design. Provenance: George Douglas Tracy (signature in each volume, some dated August 1862).
FIRST AMERICAN EDITION. The American edition was issued the same year as the French edition, which was issued in a 10-volume format in wrappers. The five novels which are collectively known as "Les Miserables," were issued separately by the publisher in various cloth bindings, and complete sets in matching bindings are uncommon. The ownership signature in each volume (some dated August 1862), suggest these books were purchased as a set. Considered a masterpiece of world literature, Les Miserables is often remembered for its vivid account of the Battle of Waterloo, the famous description of the Paris sewers, and for Hugo's realistic depiction of the lower classes and the underworld of 19th-century Paris. The story is also widely known from its highly successful stage adaptation. (5)
5 volumes, 8
FIRST AMERICAN EDITION. The American edition was issued the same year as the French edition, which was issued in a 10-volume format in wrappers. The five novels which are collectively known as "Les Miserables," were issued separately by the publisher in various cloth bindings, and complete sets in matching bindings are uncommon. The ownership signature in each volume (some dated August 1862), suggest these books were purchased as a set. Considered a masterpiece of world literature, Les Miserables is often remembered for its vivid account of the Battle of Waterloo, the famous description of the Paris sewers, and for Hugo's realistic depiction of the lower classes and the underworld of 19th-century Paris. The story is also widely known from its highly successful stage adaptation. (5)