The Hunchback of Notre Dame

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a novel written by Victor Hugo and originally published in 1831. It is set in the city of Paris in the late fifteenth century at the height of the transition from the Middle Ages to the Modern Age.

The novel revolves around the majestic cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris and a special man who lives there: Quasimodo. Quasimodo is a poor, hunchbacked bell-ringer who is rejected by society because of his grotesque appearance and takes refuge in the cathedral itself.

His life will intersect with that of the beautiful gypsy Esmeralda, who is the object of desire of powerful men.

The novel deals with themes of beauty, goodness and human cruelty. It provides an excellent context for getting to know the Cathedral of Notre Dame, showing all its architectural splendor and rich history, which is a great tribute to the Cathedral.

"Three hundred and forty-eight years, six months, and nineteen days ago to-day, the Parisians awoke to the sound of all the bells in the triple circuit of the city, the university, and the town ringing a full peal.
The sixth of January, 1482, is not, however, a day of which history has preserved the memory."