Victor Hugo (1802–1885), the French poet, novelist and playwright, was born in Besançon on 26 February 1802 and died in Paris on 22 May 1885. His literary career accompanied political service as a deputy and senator. His novels bring individual lives into contact with history and the conflicts of society.
One novel in five volumes
First published in 1862, Les Misérables follows Jean Valjean and connects his life with those of Fantine, Cosette, Marius, Javert and the Thénardiers. The edition gathered here consists of five volumes corresponding to the five parts of a single narrative. Each volume is sold separately.
All books in this selection are published in their original French. This English catalogue presentation does not indicate an English translation of the books.
The five volumes at Alba Longa
| Volume | Part of the narrative | ISBN | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | Fantine | 9781495265877 | Paperback · Kindle |
| II | Cosette | 9781495270390 | Paperback · Kindle |
| III | Marius | 9781495270642 | Paperback · Kindle |
| IV | L’idylle rue Plumet et l’épopée rue Saint-Denis | 9781495270888 | Paperback · Kindle |
| V | Jean Valjean | 9781495271076 | Paperback · Kindle |
Reading Hugo: the individual and social condemnation
Jean Valjean’s past raises a question that runs throughout the novel: can someone rebuild a life when others continue to see only a conviction? Fantine’s story extends that question to women’s economic insecurity and the neglect of children. Hugo gives these conflicts narrative force by connecting personal suffering to its collective causes.
The expansive narrative combines adventure, moral reflection, everyday life and history. Paris becomes more than a setting: its streets, gardens and barricades connect private encounters with the movements of a whole society. Read the five volumes in sequence, from Fantine to Jean Valjean.
Identify these editions
The paperbacks were published in January 2014 under the CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform imprint. All five Kindle editions name Alba Longa as publisher. The individual entries distinguish paperback ISBNs from digital ASINs and give the page count of each specific paperback.
Amazon may associate a title with formats from other publishers. Use the precise links in this selection and check the ISBN before buying. Prices, availability and delivery vary by format and country; these links do not refer to a five-volume boxed set.
Further reading on the blog
References and sources
Biographical details: Bibliothèque nationale de France. Publication context: Maisons de Victor Hugo. Commercial references checked on Amazon.fr on 15 November 2026.
Bibliothèque nationale de France — Victor Hugo · Maisons de Victor Hugo — Les Misérables