Notes

First published: 1862. This translation first published 1976. 'Les Miserables' is considered to be one of the greatest novels of the 19th century. It begins in 1815 and ends with the 1832 June Rebellion in Paris. The story is about the lives and interactions of several characters, particularly the struggles of ex-convict Jean Valjean and his experience of redemption. It examines the nature of law and grace, and elaborates on the history of France, the architecture and urban design of Paris, politics, moral philisophy, justice, religion and the nature of love.