Les Misérables by Victor Hugo

A story of redemption, justice, love and forgiveness, Les Misérables remains one of the best-known and most celebrated works of French literature. It tells the story of Jean Valjean, who, after 19 years of imprisonment, returns to civilian life in search of a new identity. Through Valjean’s struggle to escape the stigma of his past, Victor Hugo explores the transformative power of mercy and the consequences of injustice.

This collection is sold as a five-volume set, with all books being hardback editions in a bespoke binding by De Decker, a prominent bookbinder active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His bookbinding stamp can be found on the flyleaf of Books 2–5. Given the monumental size and significance of Les Misérables, it was common for collectors to have their books professionally rebound in a custom, uniform and luxurious style.

The collection is bound in a classic quarter-leather style, with dark green Morocco leather on the spines and extending onto the inner portions of the front and rear boards. The spines feature raised bands and intricate gilt tooling, characteristic of De Decker’s craftsmanship. The exterior of Volume 1 does show significant wear and tear to the boards, revealing areas of the book’s original colour. All volumes feature some foxing, although the text and illustrations remain fully legible.

The set comprises five volumes:

• Vol. 1 — Fantine

• Vol. 2 — Cosette

• Vol. 3 — Marius

• Vol. 4 — Saint-Denis

• Vol. 5 — Jean Valjean

Each volume is illustrated and written in French, with marbled endpapers. The bindings remain secure and, overall, despite age-related wear, the books remain in good condition.

The complete five-volume set is offered for £200.

If you are interested in purchasing this book, or would like more information of other items we sell, then please get in contact by emailing us at sales@mainlybooks.co.uk, or come visit us in store in Eton! Please refer to our Contact Us page for more information on how to reach us.