Victor Hugo

Born February 26, 1802, in Besancon, France-died May 22, 1885, Paris. Author, poet, and playwright. The third son of Joseph-Leopold-Sigisbert Hugo, an officer in Napleon's army. Studied at the Pension Cordier and Lycee Louis-de-Grand, then graduated from the law faculty at Paris. Published his first novel "Hans d'Islande" in 1823. Elected to the French Academy in 1841. Fled to Brussels from 1851-70 following the coup d'etat that resulted in the Second Empire of Napoleon III. Published his most famous novel "Les Miserables" in 1862. Returned to Paris in 1871after France was defeated in the Franco-German War and the proclaimation of the Third Republic. In 1878 he was stricken with cerebral congestion and died in 1885. (http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/274974/Victor-Hugo)