The History of a Crime

Meticulously chronicling the December 1851 coup d'état in France, this non-fiction work delves into the rise of Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte as Napoleon III. Victor Hugo offers a scathing critique of the political intrigue and authoritarianism of the time, exploring the societal, economic, and political forces that enabled this shift in power. His evocative prose captures the tumultuous atmosphere and highlights the corruption and misuse of authority, making it a significant testament to the era's struggles for democracy and justice.