Two Victor Hugo Volumes from the Prestigious Collection Hetzel – Notre-Dame de Paris (Vol. I) & Les Misérables (Vol. I), circa 1870–1890

These two beautifully executed books are original Hetzel editions of works by Victor Hugo, dating from the late 19th century. Both volumes are part of the famous Collection Hetzel, renowned for its luxurious publisher’s bindings and high-quality finishing.

These are two separate first volumes:

Notre-Dame de Paris – Tome I, bound in blue cloth
Les Misérables – Tome I, bound in red cloth

Both bindings are richly decorated with gilt and color stamping on the front cover, spine, and back cover, featuring refined ornamentation and illustrative elements characteristic of Hetzel editions from this period. The decorative design makes these books not only of literary interest but also highly attractive as display and collectible pieces.

The books are currently fitted with a protective cover (not original), indicating careful use and preservation.

Execution & material
Original publisher’s cloth bindings
Gilt title and ornament stamping
Polychrome decoration
Printed text blocks on paper

Publisher & dating
Librairie J. Hetzel, Paris
Late 19th century, circa 1870–1890
Collection Hetzel

Condition
Bindings: good to very good
Gilt stamping: clear and well preserved
Corners and spines: lightly rounded, no major damage
Interior: not fully examined, likely complete
Overall impression: well-kept and attractive

About House of History:
At House of History, we are passionate about discovering and curating vintage and unique items for history enthusiasts like you. We believe that a tangible piece of history brings the past to life, and that is where our passion lies! Our dedication to this hobby is reflected in our yearly visits to numerous markets, vintage shops, and auctions, both nationally and internationally, in search of that one unique piece. Whether you are looking to expand your collection or add an extra touch of character to your interior, we strive to find the perfect item for you. Our selection of goods is based on careful selection, love, and craftsmanship. Do you have a specific request? Let us know, and we will gladly search for you! Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, comments, or complaints. We are always here to help.

Pricing and shipping:
At House of History, our prices always include shipping costs. We recommend keeping this in mind when comparing prices. In addition, we always ship with track & trace for your peace of mind. All orders are shipped within 1 to 2 working days. We only use reputable postal companies and provide all shipments with tracking. Items valued over 200.00 are always shipped insured. Our products are professionally and carefully packaged, and we have extensive experience with international shipping.

Notes:
At House of History, we sell vintage products, which means that our goods may show signs of use. We recommend carefully reviewing the accompanying photos and videos before making a purchase. Do you have more questions about a product or would you like to receive additional photos, videos, or descriptions? Do not hesitate to contact us. We are always here to help. At House of History, we prefer to preserve the original condition of our products. Some customers prefer a polished, restored condition, while others prefer a lived-in look (patina). The majority of our offered products are therefore presented unpolished and uncleaned.