Postmortem Photography of Victor Hugo by Félix Nadar

Victor Hugo (1802–1885) was a French writer, poet, and playwright, widely regarded as one of the greatest literary figures of the 19th century. A leading figure of the Romantic movement, he is best known for his novels Les Misérables (1862) and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame (1831), which combined social criticism, historical depth, and vivid character portrayals.

Beyond literature, Hugo was an outspoken political activist, advocating for human rights, democracy, and social justice. His opposition to Napoleon III led to his exile from France for nearly 20 years, during which he continued writing influential works.

Hugo’s literary legacy extends beyond novels to poetry and drama, inspiring countless adaptations in theater and film. He remains a national icon in France, honored for both his artistic achievements and his contributions to social reform.