Les Misérables is a magnificent, sweeping tale of revolution, love, and the will to survive, set in the poverty-stricken streets of 19th century Paris. The escaped convict Jean Valjean turns away from his criminal past to build a fortune as an honest man. He takes in the abandoned orphan Cosette and raises her as his own daughter. However, Jean Valjean cannot escape his former life and is relentlessly pursued by the unyielding policeman Javert. As Cosette grows up, the young idealist Marius sees her and falls desperately in love with her. The fates of all the characters await them during the violent turmoil of the June Rebellion of 1832. This abridged version of Victor Hugo's masterpiece was published in 1915 to provide a cohesive story about the struggles of life and soul of Jean Valjean. Released as a gift edition with a new introduction by Paul Bailey. Designed.