How Much Was Victor Hugo Worth? Uncovering the Net Worth of the Mastermind Behind Les Misérables
Victor Hugo was a French poet, novelist, and playwright who is widely considered one of the greatest writers in the French language. His masterpieces, such as Les Misérables and Notre-Dame de Paris (also known as The Hunchback of Notre-Dame), have become cultural icons that continue to inspire people around the world. But just how wealthy was Victor Hugo? In this post, we’ll uncover the net worth of the mastermind behind Les Misérables and explore some fascinating facts about his life.
Early Life and Career of Victor Hugo
Victor Hugo was born in Besançon, France, in 1802. From a young age, he displayed an exceptional talent for writing and poetry. In 1815, at the age of 13, Hugo’s first book of poetry was published. Throughout his teenage years, Hugo continued to write in various genres, including drama and fiction.
In 1831, Hugo’s Notre-Dame de Paris was published, which became an instant success. The novel tells the story of a hunchback named Quasimodo, who falls in love with Esmeralda, a beautiful gypsy woman. The book’s success catapulted Hugo to international fame and cemented his status as one of the greatest writers of his time.
Victor Hugo’s Net Worth
At the height of his career, Victor Hugo was considered one of the wealthiest writers in the world. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Victor Hugo’s net worth at the time of his death was estimated to be $14 million. This figure is in today’s currency, adjusted for inflation.
However, Hugo was more than just a writer; he was also involved in politics. In 1848, he was elected to the National Assembly and was subsequently expelled from France after a coup d’état. During his exile, Hugo continued to write and remained financially stable through his writing royalties and investments.
Other Interesting Facts About Victor Hugo
Aside from his literary achievements and wealth, Victor Hugo had many other interesting facets to his life. Here are some facts you might not know:
– Victor Hugo was not a fan of The Eiffel Tower. In fact, he called it a “giant black and useless chimney.”
– Hugo was a strong supporter of the abolition of the death penalty.
– His first love was not his wife, but his childhood friend Adèle Foucher. However, Adèle’s mother disapproved of the match, and Hugo eventually married Adèle’s best friend instead.
– Hugo was also a talented artist and would often draw sketches to accompany his writings.
FAQs
1. How much money did Victor Hugo make from Les Misérables?
Les Misérables was a commercial success for Victor Hugo, and he earned a significant amount of money from it. However, it’s difficult to determine an exact figure.
2. Did Victor Hugo’s political views affect his net worth?
Victor Hugo’s political views cost him more than his net worth. In fact, he was exiled from France for several years after a coup d’état.
3. Was Victor Hugo’s wealth inherited?
No, Victor Hugo’s wealth was not inherited. He generated his wealth through his writing, royalties, and investments.
4. What was Victor Hugo’s most valuable asset?
Victor Hugo’s most valuable asset was his body of work, including his novels, plays, and poetry.
5. Was Victor Hugo poor at any point in his life?
Victor Hugo faced financial difficulties early in his writing career but eventually became financially stable through his writing and investments.
6. Did Victor Hugo have any children?
Yes, Victor Hugo and his wife had five children.
7. How did Victor Hugo die?
Victor Hugo died on May 22, 1885, at the age of 83 from natural causes.
Conclusion
Victor Hugo’s net worth reflects the success he achieved as a writer, poet, and playwright. His influence on French literature and culture is undeniable, and it’s no surprise that his works continue to be popular around the world. As we dive deeper into the life of this great man, it’s clear that his legacy goes beyond just his wealth or fame. Victor Hugo was a figure who stood up for his beliefs, fought for social justice, and left an indelible mark on history.