It is 150 years since Victor Hugo's novel Les Misérables was first published. However, for the last 25 or so, the poignant saga of Jean Valjean, a villain to some, but a saviour to others, set in France during the early years of the nineteenth century, has become one of the world's most popular musicals.

In Les Misérables: The Official Archives, the reader can find out how the musical came to life – the trials and tribulations of turning it from the initial concept into a thrilling musical extravaganza – and how the new film version starring Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe, and directed by the Oscar-winning Tom Hooper (The King's Speech) has emerged from the show that has been seen by over 55 million people worldwide. To bring this fascinating story to life, the book also contains at least 15 facsimiles that highlight key moments in the creation of Les Misérables, both on stage and on the screen.

Special Items Include:
• Original costume sketches.
• Annotated scripts.
• Original music scores and librettos.
• Film screenplay extracts and anniversary mementoes.