The History of a Crime

The History of a Crime: The Testimony of an Eye-Witness by Victor Hugo was published in 1877, long after it was written. It is an account of the 1852 coup d'état that brought Napoleon into power and forced Hugo into an exile of eighteen years. The work covers those momentous early days of Napoleon rule that changed the course of French history. The deepest feelings and patriotic emotions of the author are reflected in these pages that chronicle the rise of Napoleon.