Centennial Complete Set of the Famous 1888 French Novel Les Misérables in English

A rare 1888-1889 Centennial Library Edition of the renowned French novel Les Misérables, in English, offered as a complete set of 5 volumes. Les Misérables, first published in 1862 by French author Victor Hugo, stands as one of the most celebrated novels of the 19th century. Hugo himself spent 40 years conceiving this masterpiece, finally completing it in his later years. The novel intricately weaves the lives of several French characters during the two decades of the early 19th century, encompassing political landscapes such as the Napoleonic Wars and the 1832 Paris Uprising. This grand narrative merges French history with the architecture, politics, moral philosophy, law, justice, and religious beliefs of Paris, examining the essence of good and evil, the nature of law, as well as the spectrum of love and familial bonds. Victor Hugo's classic, Les Misérables, is likely a familiar title. When first released, it comprised two volumes, with the remaining three published subsequently. This particular edition honors that original release, with the first two volumes published in 1888 and the subsequent three in 1889, a thoughtful nod to Hugo's original vision. While the original text is in French, this complete Centennial Library Edition in English was a challenging find, often incomplete in other collections. Its presence as a full 5-volume set makes it a truly worthy addition to any collection. Dimensions: 18.6 x 13 cm Year: 1888-1889 (135-134 years ago) Country of Publication: USA Edition: English Edition # A complete set of 5 volumes # Library Edition: This designation refers to books produced with high-quality paper and binding. # Within one of the volumes, you'll find a delightful surprise: a pressed papercut and a collectible card left by the previous owner. A quick search suggests this card dates to approximately 1910 and was potentially graded by PSA in the US. The overall condition is good, with minor repair marks on the cover and endpapers of the first volume (see the last three images). The bindings of the other volumes are generally sound, allowing for normal reading. As is expected with books of this age, some historical patina is present. Please consider this before making a purchase.