Ever since its first performances in 1985, Les Misérables has been a smash success, and is now the longest running musical in the world with an award-winning Hollywood movie to its name. Les Misérables takes a look back through the storied life of this monumental show.

Looking at the entirety of the Les Misérables theatre legacy, Benedict Nightingale examines the secret of why this musical has so strongly captured the hearts of the world, tracking back from Victor Hugo's original fiction all the way to the set of the Les Misérables Hollywood set. Also included are several pieces of special memorabilia from the production such as annotated scripts, original costume sketches, and scene design notes for the 2012 film. This book is the ideal companion tome for any lover of Les Misérables and its 33-year history.

A look back through the storied life of this monumental show, including an examination of why this musical continues to be so popular.

Benedict Nightingale is the former theatre critic of The Times newspaper and the author of numerous books on the theatre, including Great Moments in the Theatre.

Martyn Palmer writes extensively on film and music for a number of British and international newspapers and magazines, including The Times and Empire magazine.

Matt Wolf is London Theatre Critic for the International New York Times and attended the opening night of Les Misérables at the Barbican Theatre in October 1985.