
French
Writer
26 Feb 1802
22 May 1885
Victor Hugo was a towering figure of 19th-century French literature, renowned for his groundbreaking novels, poetry, and plays that explored the human experience with unparalleled depth and complexity. Born in 1802 in Besançon, France, Hugo's early life was marked by a tumultuous upbringing, as his family frequently relocated due to his father's military career. Despite these challenges, Hugo developed a deep passion for the arts and began publishing his first works as a young man. Hugo's most celebrated novels, "Les Misérables" and "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame," have become enduring classics, celebrated for their vivid characters, sweeping narratives, and powerful social commentary. Beyond his literary achievements, Hugo was also a prominent political activist, advocating for liberal causes and serving as a member of the French parliament. Throughout his life, he remained a tireless champion of the downtrodden and the marginalized, using his art and his voice to challenge societal injustices and inspire generations of readers and thinkers.