The Complete Book Of Les Mis Rables

Here is a lavishly illustrated book detailing the long history of Les Miserables, from the time Victor Hugo began writing it in 1836 to its present-day worldwide theatrical success. Full-color photos.

GUARDIAN BOOKS OF THE YEAR 2017 'Never mind those self-help manuals urging that some classic novel may change your life; in this sparkling study of the birth, growth and afterlife of Hugo's evergreen blockbuster, David Bellos argues that Les Misérables already has' Boyd Tonkin, Economist 'Any reader who hasn't yet embarked on Hugo's book might be converted to the idea by this one' Daniel Hahn, Spectator The extraordinary story of how a simple tale of love and revolution, the poor and the downtrodden - Victor Hugo's beloved classic Les Misérables - conquered the world. There has never been a book like it. It is the most widely read and frequently adapted story of all time, on stage and on film. But why is Les Misérables the novel of the century? David Bellos's remarkable new book brings to life the extraordinary story of how Hugo managed to write his epic novel despite a revolution, a coup d'état and political exile; how he pulled off the deal of the century to get it published, and set it on course to become the novel that epitomizes the grand sweep of history in the nineteenth century. Packed full of information about the background and design of Les Misérables, this biography of a masterpiece nonetheless insists that the moral and social message of Hugo's ever-popular novel is just as important for our century as it was for its own. The Novel of the Century is a book as rich, remarkable and long-lasting as the novel at its heart. Les Misérables is available as a Penguin Classic, in an acclaimed new translation by Christine Donougher, with an introduction by Robert Tombs.

Introducing one of the most famous characters in literature, Jean Valjean-the noble peasant imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread-Les Misérables ranks among the greatest novels of all time. In it, Victor Hugo takes readers deep into the Parisian underworld, immerses them in a battle between good and evil, and carries them to the barricades during the uprising of 1832 with a breathtaking realism that is unsurpassed in modern prose.Within his dramatic story are themes that capture the intellect and the emotions: crime and punishment, the relentless persecution of Valjean by Inspector Javert, the desperation of the prostitute Fantine, the amorality of the rogue Thénardier, and the universal desire to escape the prisons of our own minds. Les Misérables gave Victor Hugo a canvas upon which he portrayed his criticism of the French political and judicial systems, but the portrait that resulted is larger than life, epic in scope-an extravagant spectacle that dazzles the senses even as it touches the heart.

Full of fantastic memorabilia from the history of the show - from film props to set designs; and includes a foreword by Cameron Mackintosh.

The ideal companion book to the musical Les Misérables Contains more than 100 color and black-and-white photographs Follows the story of the musical from 1985 as it became an international hit Ever since its opening night on October 5, 1985, Les Misérables has been the world’s longest running and most beloved musical. Countless productions have played in 319 cities across 42 countries. It has won over 100 major theatre awards, including an Olivier, Grammy, and Tony. Approximately 70 million people have been entranced by the musical across the globe. This is the ideal partner book to this incredible musical. Over 100 color and black-and-white photographs follow the show from its inspiration in Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel to the first Paris production and the developments on an international hit. Edward Behr connects firsthand interviews with the authors, producer, cast members, directors, and designers. The show, and the novel that inspired it, contains a tale of romance, fortune, war, loss, love, the French revolution, and second chances. It is a timeless story loved by many, and The Complete Book of Les Misérables chronicles its journey.

Where there is love, there is hope. Accompanying a 6-part series on BBC One from the makers of War and Peace, and starring Dominic West, Lily Collins, David Oyelowo and Olivia Coleman, this edition of Les Misérables also has a foreword from screenwriter Andrew Davies (War and Peace, Pride and Prejudice). Les Misérables is Victor Hugo's classic tale of injustice, heroism and love following the fortunes of Jean Valjean, an escaped convict determined to put his criminal past behind him. Those attempts are constantly put under threat: by his own conscience, and by the relentless investigations of the dogged policeman Javert. A compelling and compassionate view of the victims of early nineteenth-century French society, this is a novel on an epic scale, moving from the Battle of Waterloo to the the June rebellion of 1832. With striking intensity and relevance to us today, it is testimony to the struggles of France's underclass.