History of a Crime (the Testimony of an Eye-Witness)

Victor Hugo

Mar 2005 · Mondial

About this ebook

Victor Hugo's documentary historical novel History of a Crime is an impassioned recording of the December 1852 coup d' tat that brought the usurper he called "Napol on le petit" to power, and sent Hugo into an eighteen year exile. The work was written in the few months following Hugo's flight, but only published in 1877, when Hugo feared a similar takeover by Mar chal Mac-Mahon, who had threatened the dissolution of the republican-dominated Chambre des d put s. Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte (1808-1873) was elected President (December 20, 1848- December 2, 1852) of the Second Republic of France and subsequently accepted the title of the Emperor (December 2, 1852- September 4, 1870), reigning as Napol on III.

About the author

Victor Hugo was born in Besançon, France on February 26, 1802. Although he originally studied law, Hugo dreamed of writing. In 1819, he founded the journal Conservateur Litteraire as an outlet for his dream and soon produced volumes of poetry, plays, and novels. His novels included The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Les Miserables. Both of these works have been adapted for the stage and screen many times. These adaptations include the Walt Disney version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and the award-winning musical sensation Les Miserables. In addition to his literary career, Hugo also held political office. In 1841, he was elected to the Academie Francaise. After political upheaval in 1851, he was exiled and remained so until 1870. He returned to Paris in 1871 and was elected to the National Assembly, though he soon resigned. He died on May 22, 1885.