The Man Who Laughs - A Romance of English History

Gwynplaine, a disfigured homeless boy, rescues an orphaned infant during a snowstorm, leading to their adoption by carnival vendor Ursus. For fifteen years, they perform together, until their lives are altered by the discovery of their act by Duchess Josiana, the illegitimate daughter of King James I. Written by Victor Hugo during his exile in the Channel Islands, this novel explores themes of identity and societal acceptance. The edition includes a new biography of Hugo, celebrating his legacy as a key figure in the Romantic movement.