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Victor Hugo Biography

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HUGO, Victor Marie, noted poet, born in Besancon, France, Feb. 26, 1802; died in Paris, May 22. 1885. His father was a general under Napoleon, and, in accord with the teachings of his mother, young Hugo became a devoted Bourbonist. He studied at Paris and Madrid, his father holding an important position in the latter city while Joseph Bonaparte was king of Spain. He began writing tragedies and poems at an early age, and in 1822 published his "Odes and Ballads." In the French Academy he secured several prizes, and also attained a high standing at the floral games at Toulouse. His mother died about the time he came into public notice, and at his marriage soon after Louis XVIII. brightened his prospects by a liberal pension. In 1841 he was elected to the French Academy, was made a peer of France under appointment of Louis Philippe, and in 1848 became devoted to democratic tendencies in politics.

Victor Hugo opposed Louis Napoleon in his ambitions, and in 1852 published his memorable philippic, "Napoleon le Petit," against him. Soon after he was banished, when he sought a refuge in Brussels, but finally settled in Jersey and the neighboring island of Guernsey, where he produced a number of interesting productions against Napoleon. While there he wrote most of the works which have made his name famous. The writings of Hugo occupy a high position in the literature of France, and, for that matter, of the world. They have gone through many, translations and editions. He was the foremost man of letters of his time, and gave to literature some of the most exquisite gems. He ranks highest as a poet, though his novels and dramas show much genius, and all will live on through the ages. Among his best known works are "Les Misérables;" "Notre Dame of Paris;" "Marie Tudor;" "The Man Who Laughs;" "Speeches and Addresses;" "Meditations;" "Les Orientales;" the drama, "Hernani;" "Marion Delorine," and "Letters of Victor Hugo," edited by Paul Maurice. 

The Teachers' and Pupils' Cyclopædia, Vol. II (Kansas City: Bufton Book Co., 1909) 883-884.