HUGO, Victor. Translated from the French by Charles E. Wilbour.
Les Miserables.
New York: Carleton , 1862.
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"One of the most popular bestsellers of the nineteenth century": First American Edition and First Edition in English of Victor Hugo's Les Miserables; Finely Bound by the Harcourt Bindery
First American edition and first English translation of Hugo's epic historical novel, published in the same year as the first French edition. Royal octavo, five volumes in one, bound in full morocco by the Harcourt Bindery with gilt titles and ruling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, gilt ruling to the front and rear panels, gilt inner dentelles stamp-signed by the Harcourt Bindery, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt. Founded over a century ago in 1900, the Harcourt Bindery is the oldest and largest traditional bindery in America exclusively devoted to fine traditional leather bookbinding by hand. Harcourt Bindery uses 22 karat genuine gold leaf, top grades of Nigerian moroccos, and hand marbled papers from craftsmen representing seven countries. In fine condition. Translated from the French by Charles E. Wilbour. Ownership signatures to the title page.
Charles E. Wilbour embarked on his English translation of Victor Hugo's Les Misérables even before its official release in France in 1862. His swift and dedicated efforts enabled the first American edition to be published by Carleton Publishing Company within months of the French debut. This rapid turnaround was complemented by an aggressive advertising campaign, which propelled the novel to immense popularity in the United States. By the onset of the Civil War, Les Misérables had become one of the nation's best-selling books, second only to Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin in pre-war American book sales. The novel's profound themes of justice, redemption, and social inequality resonated deeply with American readers, both in the North and the South. During the Civil War, soldiers and civilians alike found solace and reflection in its pages, often reading it in camps and hospitals. Its widespread readership during this tumultuous period underscores its significant impact on American society.
Les Miserables.
$3,800.00
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