Notre-Dame de Paris

5B Victor Hugo, Paris: Garnier Freres, 1844. In French.

Notes

Notre-Dame de Paris, known in English as The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, is a novel by Victor Hugo, first published in 1831. Set in 15th-century Paris, the story revolves around the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral and a cast of memorable characters, including the deformed bell-ringer Quasimodo, the beautiful gypsy Esmeralda, the conflicted archdeacon Claude Frollo, and the charming captain Phoebus. Quasimodo, who was abandoned as a baby and raised by Frollo, falls in love with Esmeralda, a kind-hearted but vulnerable young woman who is also pursued by Frollo. The novel explores themes of love, obsession, social injustice, and the tension between the old and new Paris, with the cathedral itself serving as a central symbol of both the beauty and decay of the city.

In addition to its compelling story, Notre-Dame de Paris is an exploration of the cultural and architectural significance of the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Hugo’s novel played a crucial role in raising awareness about the cathedral’s deteriorating state, which ultimately led to restoration efforts in the mid-19th century. The novel's impact was profound, influencing the preservation of Gothic architecture and fostering a renewed interest in medieval French history. Notre-Dame de Paris remains one of Hugo's most famous works, a powerful mix of romance, tragedy, and social critique that continues to captivate readers worldwide.

Description

Full Morocco ‘Gothic’ binding with raised bands, 10.5 inches tall. Five raised bands with blind tooling to the panels and boards. Recessed panel with vellum inlays on both boards with ‘Paris 1844’ on the lower board and a slightly smudged ‘Victor Hugo. Notre Dame de Paris’ on the upper board, both with fine calligraphic flourishes. Blind dentelles and all edges gauffered and gilt. Armories bookplate. First issue with these illustrations on the title and 54 engraved plates throughout. In the original French. Fine condition overall.