Hans of Iceland

Victor Hugo

May 2024 · The Collected Complete Works of Victor Hugo Book 3 · Livraria Press

About this ebook

A new translation into American English from the original French manuscripts of Victor Hugo's classic 1823 Hans of Iceland (Han d'Islande) Hans of Iceland weaves the story of a vengeful outlaw named Han who seeks revenge on society. This novel is one of the foundational stories of the Romantic era, and is Hugo's first novel. The novel was widely read and admired by the French literary establishment at the time and served as a starting point for Hugo's long and influential literary career. The book's themes lay the foundation of the themes of his life's work- of alienation, revenge, and societal injustice.

About the author

Victor Hugo (1802-1885) was a French poet, novelist, and dramatist, widely regarded as one of the most important writers in French literature and a leading figure of Romanticism. His works, which include Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, address themes of social injustice, human suffering, and the struggle for redemption, often set against the backdrop of historical events. Hugo’s writing combines a deep empathy for the marginalized with powerful critiques of political and social systems, capturing the complexities of human nature. He was also an outspoken advocate for social reform and a champion of freedom of expression, actively participating in the political arena of his time. He was a contemporary of Charles Dickens, whom he met in person.