The two-volume set of L'Histoire de France depuis 1789 jusqu'en 1848 was written by François Guizot and published in 1878 by Librairie Hachette & Cie in Paris. This historical work was intended to educate younger readers, particularly Guizot’s grandchildren, on the transformative events of the French Revolution and the subsequent political shifts in France. François Guizot, a historian and statesman who served as Prime Minister under King Louis-Philippe, played a crucial role in shaping the constitutional monarchy of the July Monarchy (1830–1848). Following the Revolution of 1848, which ended the monarchy and ushered in the Second Republic, Guizot retired from politics and turned to writing, seeking to document the history of the period with clarity and accessibility.
The book provides a detailed yet engaging account of France’s evolution from the collapse of the monarchy to the establishment of the Second Republic. Volume I covers the French Revolution (1789–1799), the fall of the monarchy, the Reign of Terror, and the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. Volume II explores Napoleon’s reign, the Bourbon Restoration (Louis XVIII and Charles X), the July Revolution of 1830, and the reign of Louis-Philippe, concluding with the 1848 Revolution. Guizot’s writing reflects his moderate monarchist views, presenting constitutional monarchy as the most stable form of governance while acknowledging the revolutionary forces that reshaped France. His account is both political and narrative-driven, making complex events more digestible.
This edition is highly decorative, featuring red leather bindings with elaborate gold-gilt embossing, symbolic motifs of justice and truth, and intricate designs meant to emphasize the grandeur of French history. The gilded page edges add to its luxurious appearance, reflecting the 19th-century trend of producing books that were as visually impressive as they were intellectually enriching. The set is illustrated with over 100 wood-engraved prints, bringing historical figures and events to life through detailed artwork.
Condition:
The books remain in moderate-good condition for their age, though there is visible wear on the spines, the front covers are fragile (see photos) particularly some chipping and splitting along the hinges. The corners and edges show minor fraying, typical of a book well-preserved but handled over time. The interior pages are clean, with only mild foxing, and the binding remains intact despite external wear. The gilded page edges are still bright, adding to the book’s overall aesthetic appeal. While the spine wear slightly affects structural integrity, the set remains a stunning and collectible example of 19th-century French publishing.
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