About
Jules Michelet (1798-1874) was a major French historian, known for his passionate and lyrical narratives. Born into a modest family, he earned a doctorate in letters in 1819 and taught history at various institutions, including the Collège de France. He also served as head of the historical section of the National Archives. His main works, Histoire de France (17-19 volumes) and Histoire de la Révolution française (7 volumes), earned him the title of the first 'historian of the people'. He was dismissed in 1852 for his opposition to Napoleon III. His writings, blending facts and myths, influenced the Annales school.
* 1798-08-21 — † 1874-02-09
Major works
- Histoire de France (1833-1867)historical work
- Histoire de la Révolution française (1847-1853)historical work
- Le Peuple (1846)essay
- La Sorcière (1862)historical essay
- L'Oiseau (1856)lyrical essay
Key milestones
- 1838Appointed full professor at the Collège de France and elected to the Academy of Moral and Political Sciences.
- 1852Dismissed from all official posts for refusing to swear allegiance to Napoleon III.
- 1830-1852Head of the historical section of the National Archives.
Themes
The people and anonymous massesThe French RevolutionNature and lyricismResurrection of the pastAnticlericalism and republic
Sources: britannica.com · expositions.bnf.fr