The Man Who Laughs

The Man Who Laughs (1869) is a novel by Victor Hugo set in 17th-18th century England, inspired by the French Revolution. The novel was panned at the time but has since been recognized as a great work. It has inspired numerous adaptations in film, theater, and comics, including the Joker in Batman. The story follows Gwynplaine, a child abandoned by Comprachicos, who joins a carnival run by Ursus, a man with a pet wolf. The Duchess Josiana is attracted to Gwynplaine, and the edition features a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 196 pages
Publication date: 24 February 2022
Publisher: Graphic Arts Books

"The Man Who Laughs" (1869) is a novel by Victor Hugo, written during his exile on the island of Guernsey. Set between the 17th and 18th centuries in England, a period marked by political unrest and class conflict, the novel draws parallels to France of the 19th century, a time that Hugo deeply resonated with. Despite receiving initial criticism upon its publication, the novel has since been recognized as one of Hugo's greatest works.

The story revolves around Gwynplaine, an abandoned child who is left to fend for himself after being abandoned by a group of Comprachicos, criminals who purchase and exploit children for their cruel purposes. Traumatized by his past experiences, Gwynplaine wanders the English coast alone, seeking solace and a chance at a better life. During a storm, he stumbles upon an infant girl and her deceased mother, lying frozen in the snow. Determined to save the child, Gwynplaine takes it upon himself to care for her, relying on the kindness of strangers.

Gwynplaine's journey takes him to the carnival run by Ursus, a compassionate man with a pet wolf. Initially frightened by Gwynplaine's disfigurement, which has left him with a perpetual smile on his face, Ursus eventually agrees to take the boy under his wing. Over time, Ursus discovers the boy's remarkable talent and versatility, making him a valuable attraction at his carnival shows. When the Duchess Josiana attends the carnival to witness Gwynplaine's performance, she is struck by his beauty and charisma.

As Gwynplaine grows into a young man, he falls in love with Josiana, the Duchess's daughter. However, their love is complicated by the social stigma surrounding Gwynplaine's disfigurement and the prejudices of the aristocracy. Despite these obstacles, Gwynplaine and Josiana manage to find happiness together, and their love story serves as a testament to the power of compassion and the resilience of the human spirit.

"The Man Who Laughs" has inspired numerous adaptations in various forms of media, including film, theater, and comics. One notable adaptation is the 1928 American silent film, which served as the source material for the Joker character in the original 1940 issue of Batman. The film's portrayal of Gwynplaine's disfigurement and his enduring smile have become iconic and have influenced the portrayal of villains in comic books and other forms of media.

In conclusion, "The Man Who Laughs" is a profound and enduring novel by Victor Hugo. Set against the backdrop of political unrest and class conflict, the story explores the themes of abandonment, resilience, and the triumph of the human spirit. Through the character of Gwynplaine, Hugo offers a poignant portrayal of the human condition, highlighting the importance of compassion and the ability to find beauty even in the face of adversity. The novel's enduring popularity and influence have cemented its place as a classic of literature and a testament to Hugo's unparalleled talent as a writer.

Weight: 662g
Dimension: 127 x 203 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781513211930