Victor Hugo

Victor Hugo, born on 26 February 1802 in Besançon, France, rose as a key French Romantic figure, known for works like "Notre Dame de Paris." Raised in a military family, he developed a passion for poetry early on, winning contests by fifteen. After his marriage to Adèle Foucher, Hugo published pioneering Romantic works, including controversial plays like "Hernani." Despite an initial alliance, he opposed Napoléon III's regime, leading to his exile in Jersey and Guernsey, during which he wrote acclaimed pieces like "Les Misérables." Returning to France in 1870, he remained influential until his death on 22 May 1885.