The Mysteries of Paris, illustrated with etchings, Vol. 1 by Eugène Sue

A sensational and groundbreaking novel that exposed the dark underbelly of 19th-century Paris—and transformed popular literature forever.

In The Mysteries of Paris, Eugène Sue weaves a sweeping tale of crime, compassion, and social injustice, set against the shadowy alleys and glittering salons of France’s capital. Originally serialized in the 1840s, this pioneering work of urban fiction follows the enigmatic Rodolphe—nobleman in disguise—as he navigates the city’s poorest quarters, seeking justice and redemption for its forgotten souls.

This beautifully illustrated edition, featuring detailed etchings that bring the story to life, immerses readers in the stark contrasts of Parisian society: the rich and the poor, the virtuous and the villainous. Sue’s novel inspired a wave of “city mysteries” across Europe and America and played a pivotal role in both literary and social reform movements.

Ideal for fans of historical fiction, Gothic drama, and classic French literature.