Victor HUGO and his Miserables 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 challenging Napoleon III.

“Sir, and former friend, allow me not to call you anything else, whatever the difference in our points of view; I have just read your remarkable article of April 29, remarkable, I immediately explain my thoughts, through the talent and loyal elevation of literary criticism.

I thank you for that, and allow me to add an observation to my thanks. This article would be excellent in every way under a regime of freedom ; it is political, social and philosophical discussion, a controversial discussion without a doubt, but perfectly legitimate, for example, under the liberal reign of Louis-Philippe. Perhaps this discussion, to which no free reply is possible, has disadvantages under the current regime that you would be the first to regret and deplore. The closure of the debate can be brutally done by the censorship and the police, and writers like you have no need of these auxiliaries. I know the delicate nobility of your spirit, I do not regret any of the handshakes we exchanged, and here it is to my colleague that I speak with all cordiality and with my deepest sympathy. You have one of those feathers that easily heal the wounds they make . Perhaps in the course of your appreciation, you will consider it fair to cover a little, if only from a literary point of view, this book which is in good faith . And you will honor yourself by proving to the unmoral and unscrupulous power of this regime that writers do not hand over writers to it .

I end, Sir, as I began, with my frankly outstretched hand and by renewing to you for so many excellent passages of your article, my sincere thanks. Receive, I pray you, the expression of my ancient and unalterable cordiality. Victor Hugo. – PS Those who are absent only have the right to be forgotten , yet allow me to place at the feet of your noble and charming wife, my eagerness and my regrets”

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