So long as ignorance and poverty exist on earth, books of the nature of "Les Miserables" cannot fail to be of use, says Victor Hugo in the preface of his famous novel. Certainly, "Les Miserables" is French history recounted through the personal stories of its main characters. The tale offers philosophical insight on the good deeds that can happen even amid ignorance and poverty. This handsome leather-bound volume is a beautiful addition to any classic literature library with specially designed endpapers, gilded edges, and a ribbon bookmark so you never lose your place. "