Published by Chapman and Hall: London c1875 (undated)
Complete 3 Volume Set - Part of "The People's Edition" Series
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Thomas Carlyle's The French Revolution: A History, published in three volumes by Chapman and Hall in London, is a sweeping, impassioned chronicle of one of history's most seismic upheavals. Written in a vivid, almost prophetic style, Carlyle's account begins with the death of King Louis XV and traces the unraveling of the Ancien Régime through the rise of revolutionary fervor, the storming of the Bastille, and the eventual execution of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Rather than a dry recitation of facts, Carlyle crafts a dramatic narrative that captures the chaos, idealism, and terror of the Revolution, portraying it as both a necessary reckoning and a cautionary tale of human passion unbound.
Carlyle's work is notable for its present-tense narration and philosophical depth, blending historical detail with moral reflection. He elevates figures like Danton, Robespierre, and Mirabeau to near-mythic status, while also lamenting the tragic consequences of their actions. The Revolution, in Carlyle's hands, becomes a metaphor for the collapse of old orders and the unpredictable force of collective will. His portrayal transcends national history, offering a meditation on justice, suffering, and the volatile nature of progress. The book remains a landmark in historical literature, admired for its literary power and its ability to make the past feel urgently alive.
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Light wear and fading to covers with minor rub through as shown. Name plate on inside blank endpaper of each book as shown. Age stain to title page and last page in each volume only with all other pages clean with no foxing. Water stain to back endpapers of Vol 1 only as pictured with both other volumes very clean. No splitting to hinges and binding strong in all 3 volumes. An uncommon set in very good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
Size 17.5cm x 12.5cm x 1.5cm (x 3 books)
