This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. Les Misérables

   

   Set in early 19th-century France, the narrative follows the lives and interactions of several characters, particularly the struggles of ex-convict Jean Valjean and his journey towards redemption. The story touches upon the nature of law and grace, and elaborates upon the history of France, architecture of Paris, politics, moral philosophy, antimonarchism, justice, religion, and the types and nature of romantic and familial love. It is known for its vivid and relatable characters, and its exploration of societal and moral issues.

   The 40th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. The Hunchback of Notre-Dame

   Notre-Dame de Paris

   

   Set in 15th-century Paris, this novel follows the story of Quasimodo, a deformed and hunchbacked bell-ringer of Notre-Dame Cathedral, who is shunned due to his appearance. Despite his physical deformities, Quasimodo falls in love with the beautiful gypsy girl, Esmeralda. However, his love is unrequited as she is in love with a handsome soldier. The novel explores themes of love, rejection, and the human struggle against fate and societal norms.

   The 366th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. Les Contemplations

   Poèmes

   

   "Les Contemplations" is a collection of poetry that explores themes of love, nature, and spirituality. The work is divided into two parts, with the first half focusing on the author's personal experiences, including his childhood, his family, and the loss of his daughter. The second half, in contrast, delves into more philosophical and existential themes, reflecting on the nature of life, death, and the human condition. The poems are renowned for their lyrical beauty, emotional depth, and profound exploration of human experiences.

   The 2579th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. La légende des siècles

   

   "La légende des siècles" is a series of poems that collectively provide a sweeping overview of the history and evolution of humanity. The collection, divided into three series, explores various periods and characters from the past, present, and future, from the Biblical times to the Middle Ages, and from historical figures to fictional characters. The author uses these stories to express his philosophical and moral views, and to explore themes such as the struggle between good and evil, the pursuit of progress, and the potential for redemption and spiritual growth.

   The 2729th Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. Things Seen

   

   This collection of essays and observations offers a vivid tapestry of 19th-century life, capturing the essence of everyday experiences and the profound reflections they inspire. Through a series of keenly observed vignettes, the author delves into the intricacies of human nature, societal norms, and the beauty of the mundane. Each piece is a window into the world as seen through the eyes of a master storyteller, blending the ordinary with the extraordinary, and inviting readers to ponder the deeper meanings behind the seemingly trivial moments of life.

   The 6004th Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. Hernani

   

   Set against the backdrop of 16th-century Spain, this dramatic tale unfolds around the passionate and tumultuous love triangle between a noblewoman, Doña Sol, and her two suitors: Hernani, a noble outlaw seeking revenge for his father's death, and Don Carlos, the King of Spain. As the story progresses, themes of honor, loyalty, and destiny intertwine with political intrigue and personal vendettas, leading to a tragic climax that questions the price of love and the nature of justice. The narrative is rich with romanticism, exploring the depths of human emotion and the complexities of societal expectations.

   The 6558th Greatest Book of All Time

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7. 7. The Distance, The Shadows

   

   "The Distance, The Shadows" is a poignant exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of love, loss, and the inexorable passage of time. Set against a backdrop of social upheaval, the narrative weaves together the lives of disparate characters, each struggling with their own inner demons and societal constraints. The novel's rich tapestry of emotion and philosophical musings paints a vivid picture of the struggle between the light of hope and the darkness of despair, as the characters navigate the distances between their dreams and realities, and the shadows that fall upon their paths. Through its intricate storytelling, the book examines the enduring question of what it means to be human in a world fraught with challenges and change.

   The 7216th Greatest Book of All Time

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8. 8. The Toilers Of The Sea

   

   The novel is a tale of love and heroism set on the Channel Island of Guernsey, where a reclusive fisherman falls in love with the beautiful niece of a local shipowner. When her uncle's ship is wrecked on a treacherous reef, the fisherman heroically volunteers to salvage the engine that could save the shipowner from ruin, hoping to win the niece's heart. The story unfolds as a gripping adventure of man against the sea, as the protagonist battles the elements, isolation, and his inner demons on his quest, exploring themes of nature's indifference to human struggle, the dignity of labor, and the human spirit's capacity for courage and sacrifice.

   The 7576th Greatest Book of All Time

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9. 9. The Man Who Laughs

   A Romance of English History

   

   Set in 17th-century England, the novel follows the life of a disfigured boy, abandoned as a child on a winter's night, who is taken in and raised by a kind-hearted showman. The boy grows up to become a popular performer due to his permanent grin, a result of a cruel mutilation inflicted by a group of comprachicos. His life is marked by a series of dramatic turns, including love, nobility, and political intrigue. As he navigates a society that is both repulsed by his appearance and captivated by his entertainment, the narrative delves into themes of inner beauty, the nature of humanity, and the corrupting influence of wealth and power.

   The 9546th Greatest Book of All Time

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10. 10. Ninety Three

    

    Set during the French Revolution's tumultuous year of 1793, the novel delves into the harrowing period of the Reign of Terror, exploring themes of conflict between duty and conscience. It follows the lives of three main characters: a royalist, a revolutionary, and an orphan girl, whose paths intersect amidst the chaos of civil war. The narrative grapples with moral and ideological dilemmas, as characters are forced to choose between their loyalties and their humanity. The book vividly portrays the struggles of the time, from the fierce battles at sea to the fierce debates in the National Convention, culminating in a powerful examination of revolution, redemption, and the relentless march of history.

    The 11203rd Greatest Book of All Time

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11. 11. Le Dernier Jour D'un Condamné

    

    This poignant narrative delves into the mind of a man sentenced to death, capturing his final hours as he grapples with the inevitability of his fate. Through a series of introspective reflections, the condemned man confronts his past actions, the societal implications of capital punishment, and the profound fear of the unknown that awaits him. The story is a powerful critique of the justice system, exploring themes of humanity, morality, and the value of life, while evoking empathy and contemplation from the reader.

    The 16699th Greatest Book of All Time

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12. 12. Собор Парижской Богоматери. Пьесы. Статьи. Стихотворения

    

    This collection brings together a rich tapestry of dramatic works, essays, and poems that explore the complexities of human emotion and societal structures. The narratives delve into themes of love, justice, and the struggle for freedom, often set against the backdrop of historical and architectural grandeur. Through vivid character portrayals and evocative language, the works reflect a deep empathy for the marginalized and a profound critique of the social injustices of the time. The collection serves as a testament to the enduring power of art to challenge, inspire, and transform.

13. 13. Claude Gueux

    

    Set in 19th-century France, this poignant narrative explores the harsh realities of the penal system through the tragic story of a man driven to crime by poverty. The protagonist, a skilled yet impoverished worker, is imprisoned for stealing bread to feed his family. Within the oppressive confines of prison, he becomes a symbol of resistance against the inhumane conditions and the arbitrary cruelty of the authorities. The tale unfolds as a powerful critique of social injustice, highlighting the moral dilemmas faced by individuals caught in the web of systemic inequality and the dire consequences of a society that fails to address the needs of its most vulnerable members.

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14. 14. Fantine

    

    A moving, tragic portrait of a young working-class woman who, abandoned by her lover, entrusts her child to unscrupulous caretakers and descends from respectable factory worker into destitution; after losing her job she sells her hair and teeth and ultimately turns to prostitution in a desperate effort to support her daughter. The narrative contrasts her suffering with the compassion of a benevolent factory owner who seeks to help and the rigidity of an implacable lawman, spotlighting the cruelty and social injustice of 19th-century society.

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15. 15. William Shakespeare

    

    A passionate critical study that defends and celebrates an English dramatist as the supreme force of imagination, arguing that his genius transcends rigid neoclassical rules by boldly mixing the comic and the tragic, the noble and the grotesque; it examines his freedom from the unities and decorum, the psychological depth and moral complexity of his characters, and the way his language and theatrical vision capture universal humanity, reshaping modern drama and literature.

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16. 16. L'uomo Che Ride

    

    A disfigured foundling named Gwynplaine, whose face was cruelly carved into a permanent grin, is raised by the philosopher Ursus and the blind girl Dea and becomes a celebrated performer; as he grows he uncovers his true aristocratic origins and is drawn into political intrigues that expose the hypocrisy, cruelty and class injustices of society, while the contrast between his outward laugh and inner sorrow drives the work toward a bitter, tragic resolution.