This was where Marius observes Jean Valjean and Cosette Pont d'Austerlitz Paris and its environs A Pugin (1831) p 121 Four shadows, at that moment, entered upon the bridge.' (vol 1, pp 432-3) From the point where he was he could see the whole length of the bridge of Austerlitz. He could go the whole length of the bridge in the shade of this cart. A large cart was passing the Seine at the same time and like him, was going towards the right bank. He paid, annoyed that his passage should have attracted observation. Parisian landmarks, back streets and sewers are all part of the action in Les Misérables: The volume was reissued in 1928 with notes and detailed descriptions of the history of the locations by E. These colourful images contrast with the darker illustrations of Charles Meryon. This publication contains colour lithographs of Paris and other French cities completed during the 1830s, at the time Les Misérables was set.

This fascinating collection of images of Paris during the 1870s focusses on police work and the early efforts in forensic investigation and were also donated by the French government following the 1880 Exhibition.Ĭhoose the View online tab to look at the images. See this post for more on Marville's life. Marville's photographs were sent to Melbourne for display at the International Exhibition of 1880 and together with other items from the Exhibition were donated to the Library by the French government. These show the 'old' and 'new' Paris, pre and post Haussmann. Our Library holds an internationally significant collection of photographs by Charles Marville.

Photographic views of Paris by Charles Marville The Library holds a range of books about the architecture and historical development of Paris. Under the direction of Georges-Eugene Haussmann, much of the city was razed and the current Paris with ordered grand boulevards, gardens and stately public buildings, took shape. Paris and its environs A Pugin (1831) p 133ĭuring the reign of Napoleon III the Paris of Hugo's Les Misérables, with its narrow lanes and medieval buildings, was totally remodelled. Let him be permitted to speak of that Paris as if it still existed.' ( Les Misérables, vol 1 p 429). Through demolition and reconstruction, the Paris of his youth, that Paris which he religiously treasures in his memory, has become a Paris of former times. He need not say that he loves Paris Paris is the native city of his heart. A new city has arisen, which to him is in some sense unknown. 'Many years have already passed away since the author of this book, who is compelled, reluctantly, to speak of himself, was in Paris.

Les miserables french edition