Whilst the upheaval of revolution transforms France, young idealistic romantics in Paris, such as Alexandre Dumas, Victor Hugo, George Sand and Hector Berlioz, among others, dream of a new world through their art.

The romantics have triumphed: their plays are performed in the theater and their novels fill bookshops whilst concert halls hear the notes of their music.

The 1848 revolution shakes the foundations of the monarchy. When Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas and George Sand become politically active, the courage of their convictions is tested.

Exiled in Guernsey since October 1855, Victor Hugo finishes his immortal masterpiece, while, in Paris, government censorship and free art are engaged in an unequal battle.