Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Michelet, Jules

MICHELET, JULES (mēsh-lā), a French historian; born in Paris, France, Aug. 21, 1798. After the revolution of 1830 he was appointed chief of the historical section of the archives of France, and in 1838 became Professor of History at the College of France and an Academician. He lost all his offices at the coup d'état in 1851. His principal historical works are: “History of France” (21 vols. 1833-1875); “Roman History”; “The Beginnings of French Law”; and others of less importance. Several of his works on social subjects deserve mention: “On the Jesuits” (1843), written in collaboration with Edgar Quinet; “Woman, Priest, and Family” (1844); “The People” (1846). About 1856 he turned into another path, and wrote and published works on natural history and philosophy. A collection of his works was begun in 1895. He died in Hyères, France, Feb. 5, 1874.