Les Misérables

Before the movie (several movies, actually), before the musical, a book. A very, very long book (in five volumes, all included here). With far too many incidents, characters, locations, ideas to fit into one movie. Not to mention visits to numerous parts of France and vivid views of various Parisian neighborhoods in the nineteenthc century.

The greatest book from one of France's greatest writers. No Anne Hathaway or Hugh Jackman, just great writing and a host of memorable characters and moments.