VICTOR HUGO * PSA/DNA * “LES MISERABLES” Handwritten Autograph Draft Not Signed

Acclaimed French author VICTOR HUGO exceedingly scarce lengthy handwritten excerpt, unsigned, from his masterwork, “Les Miserables”. Hugo actually used these two handwritten passages in the finished novel. Written on the back of a scrap of the 'La Presse' tabloid dated Sept. 1, 1860 – two years before “Les Miserables” publication.

These portions of the draft manuscript are prized possessions of some of the world’s finest museums. A similar portion of the draft manuscript is prominently displayed at the Musée Paris in France. This is the only authenticated portion of Hugo’s draft of “Les Miserables” in private hands.

CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC BY PSA/DNA AUTHENTICATION SERVICES EXPERT EXAMINATION. UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED GENUINE – quite simply one of the finest Victor Hugo documents available on the market.

This excerpt features two passages from the Fifth Part entitled, “JEAN VALJEAN”, one of Hugo’s – and literature’s – most enduring characters. Exceptional content with lines such as “The innocence of thieves does not go that far”.

As part of Hugo’s writing process, he routinely utilized scraps of newspapers, envelopes, bits of paper before incorporating them in the final draft. Once complete, he crossed out his drafts with an ink slash through the page to indicate he had used them.

Hugo has written (in French translated to English):

"TAKE ! TAKE ! TAKE ! THEY HAVE THIS KEY. A GOVERNMENT KEY!" [The printed version contains a slight variation]: “That is strong! a government key! [...] Take ! Take ! Take ! » – “They approached by a ramp from the quay down to the bank which then allowed the cab drivers of the place... arriving from Passy to come to the river to water their horses. This ramp has since been removed, for symmetry, the horses are dying of thirst, but the eye is flattered. It was likely that the man being followed was going to climb up this ramp in an attempt to escape to the Champs-Élysées, a stronghold of police officers, and where the other would easily have a hand. To the great surprise of his observer, the man in rags did not take this ramp, he continued to advance on the bank along the quay. There his position became visibly critical. Short of throwing himself into the Seine, what was he going to do? No way now to get back on the quay, and we were very close to the place, marked by the bend in the Seine towards the Pont d'Iéna where the bank, which narrowed more and more, ends ["finished"] in thin tongue and gets lost ["lost"] under water. There he would inevitably find himself trapped between the wall to his right, the river in front, and authority at his heels. It is true that this end of the bank was hidden from view by a rather [“high” crossed out] heap of rubble [“from six to seven feet high” added], the product of who knows what demolition. But was this man hoping to hide behind this pile of rubble that he just had to turn? The expedient would have been childish. The innocence of thieves does not go that far.”

The printed version, after revisions and additions would include several minor variants. A third passage, difficult to read, is difficult to place within the book: "... on the platform... The man raised his head..."

Manuscript has some areas of ink burn and paper loss but still entirely legible. Condition is understandably fragile being written on a 163-year-old newspaper.

Hugo is widely considered among the most acclaimed French writers of all time, and “Les Miserables” is undoubtedly one of the greatest novels of the 19th century, later popularized through adaptations for stage and screen.

Bid with confidence. Please view our exceptional feedback and ratings, and our additional autograph listings.

Own a remarkable, original investment-quality "Les Miserables" draft from Victor Hugo! The perfect piece for a museum, the executive library, the literary buff, avid play-goer, or autograph enthusiast.

Sold as is, as shown.