"To love is to act"-- "Aimer, c'est agir." These words, which Victor Hugo wrote three days before he died, epitomize his life's philosophy. His love of freedom, democracy, and all people--especially the poor and wretched--drove him not only to write his epic Les Miserables but also to follow his conscience. We have much to learn from Hugo, who battled for justice, lobbied against slavery and the death penalty, and fought for the rights of women and children. In a series of essays that interweave Hugo's life with Les Miserables and point to the novel's contemporary relevance, To Love Is to Act explores how Hugo reveals his guiding principles for life, including his belief in the redemptive power of love and forgiveness. Enriching the book are insights from artists who captured the novel's heart in the famed musical, Les Mis creators Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schoenberg, producer of the musical Les Miserables Cameron Mackintosh, film director Tom Hooper, and award-winning actors who have portrayed Jean Valjean: Colm Wilkinson and Hugh Jackman.

"Victor Hugo on Things That Matter" gives English speakers the social, historical, cultural, and biographical context that is essential for enjoying the writing and art of this genius of nineteenth-century France. The book's topical organization lets readers investigate Hugo's ideas about private and personal concerns--love, children, grief, nature, God--as well as public and politically important issues--liberty and democracy, tyranny, social justice, humanity, peace, and war. Unlike other Hugo anthologies, "Victor Hugo on Things That Matter" offers introductions and notes in English and includes twenty-five of Hugo's watercolors and drawings. Readers will find key Hugo texts in the original French, along with the following supplemental information in English: - an overview of Hugo's importance and his private and public personas;- introductions to each chapter;- historical and cultural explanatory notes;- a time line of Hugo's life and work;- suggestions for further reading.
Marva Barnett is professor at the University of Virginia, where she also serves as director of the Teaching Resource Center.