Michelet, Jules

(1798-1874)

   historian, writer

   Born in Paris, Jules Michelet, a leading French historian, at the end of a poor and laborious adolescence during which he worked in his father's print shop, began his brilliant studies at the École normale supérieure (where he later taught) in ancient history and the philosophy of history. He became a student and disciple of the writings of victor cousin, J. G. Herder, and Giambattista Vico. Appointed to the historical section of the National Archives (1831), he directed his research toward the French national past and began his Histoire de France, of which six volumes (from the nation's origins until the death of louis xi) appeared between 1833 and 1844. The later volumes (from louis xi to louis XVI, 1855-67) have the power of a political polemic. Breaking with Catholicism, Michelet developed his humanistic and democratic ideas during his lectures, which were popular, at the collège de France (1838). He also researched and wrote his Histoire de la Révolution française (seven volumes, 1847 to 1853), an inspired, engaging, enthusiastic, and remarkably documented work, in which he analyses absolute monarchy and subsequent French governments. During his period of self-imposed semi-exile (he disagreed with the policies of napoléon III), coupled with his trips to the French countryside, Michelet sought inspiration in nature (L'Oiseau, 1856; La Mer, 1861), but also continued his concern for humanity (L'Amour, 1859; La Femme, 1860) and his hopes for the future (La Bible de l'humanité, 1864). His death prevented him from finishing Histoire du XIXe siecle (three volumes, 1872-75). He left, too, a Journal intime. One of the greatest historians of his age Jules Michelet, a literary artist as well as a philosopher, was an eloquent lecturer and writer. in his original, lyrical, and audacious style, he explored not only the events of history but many other aspects, such as geography, that make and define the evolution and development of peoples and nations.