Victor Hugo and his Les Misérables under the regime of Napoleon III

[Victor HUGO] – Adèle HUGO (1830-1915), daughter of the poet.

Autograph copy of a letter from Victor Hugo to A. Cuvillier-Fleury.

Two pages in-8° Hauteville-House. May 9, 1862.

Hugo thanks Cuvillier-Fleury for his article published in the Journal des Débats about Les Misérables , while once again defying Napoleon III.

"Sir, and old friend, allow me not to call you otherwise, whatever the difference in our points of view; I have just read your remarkable article of April 29, remarkable, I explain my thought at once, for the talent and loyal elevation of the literary criticism.

Thank you, and allow me to add a brief observation to my thanks. This article would be excellent in every respect under a free regime ; it is political, social, and philosophical discussion—a debate undoubtedly open to controversy, but perfectly legitimate, for example, under the liberal reign of Louis-Philippe. Perhaps this discussion, to which no free reply is possible, has drawbacks under the current regime that you would be the first to regret and deplore. The debate could be brutally shut down by censorship and the police, and writers such as yourself have no need of such auxiliaries. I know the refined nobility of your mind, I do not regret any of the handshakes we have exchanged, and here I speak to my colleague with all cordiality and my deepest sympathy. You possess one of those pens that easily heals the wounds it inflicts . Perhaps, in your subsequent review, you will deem it appropriate to offer some support, if only from a literary standpoint, to this book, which is written in good faith . And you will do yourself credit by demonstrating to the immoral and unscrupulous power of this regime that writers do not betray other writers .

I conclude, Sir, as I began, with my hand outstretched and by renewing my sincere thanks for the many excellent passages in your article. Please accept the expression of my long-standing and unwavering cordiality. Victor Hugo. – P.S. Those who are absent are entitled only to oblivion , yet allow me to lay at the feet of your noble and charming wife my earnest regards and my regrets.

The French edition of Les Misérables was published on April 3, 1862 in Paris.