The Toilers of the Sea

A new translation by Scot James Hogarth for the first unabridged English edition of the novel, which tells the story of an illiterate fisherman from the Channel Islands who must free a ship that has run aground in order to win the hand of the woman he loves, a shipowner's daughter.

Victor Hugo (1802-1885) was a renowned French author, poet and playwright, who is best remembered for his classic novels Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. Born in Besançon, France, Hugo was a central figure in the Romantic literary movement and used his writing to address social and political issues of his time.
Hugo began his writing career as a poet, publishing his first collection of poetry, Odes et poésies diverses, at the age of 20. His early success in poetry led to his appointment to the prestigious Académie française in 1841. Over time, Hugo's focus shifted to prose and drama, and he established himself as a prominent playwright with works like Hernani (1830) and Ruy Blas (1838).
Victor Hugo's literary legacy is vast and enduring, as his works continue to be celebrated for their powerful narratives, memorable characters and important social and political themes. His novels have been translated into numerous languages and adapted into countless films, television series and stage productions, ensuring that his stories continue to captivate audiences around the world