Books

Paris: Charles Gosselin, 1831. First edition, first printing of Hugo's masterpiece, one of only 1,100 examples. Octavo, 2 volumes, bound in half calf. The publisher Charles Gosselin published the novel on 16 March 1831 in an edition of 1,100 copies as was his usual practice. It was such a sensation that an additional three printings had to be published the same year. The first impression of 1100 copies was separated into four groups, each bearing a fictitious edition statement on the title-page, a scheme designed to make the public believe that the novel was selling rapidly. "This first edition is the rarest of all the works of Victor Hugo; it has had a resounding impact worldwide, and is one of the most difficult titles of the Romantic period to obtain" (Carteret). In near fine condition. Housed in a custom half morocco clamshell box. Rare and desirable. “The Hunchback of Notre Dame was a revelation of what an historical novel could be” (Reid, 296). First published in 1831 as…

One of Victor Hugo's most famous works, the novel is set in 15th century Paris and centers around the life of Quasimodo, a bell-ringer at Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Esmeralda, a beautiful gypsy dancer.