In tracing the life and adventures of Jean Valjean, Victor Hugo created a melodrama which covers every phase of life in France just after the Revolution. "Les Miserables" is the story of a soul transfigured and redeemed through suffering—the story of a convict who became a great man.

"Les Miserables" is a universal book. The editors of the Modern Library recommend it to readers of every age and every taste.