Jules Michelet

Jules Michelet (1798–1874) was a French historian and writer. He taught at institutions including the École normale supérieure, the Sorbonne and, from 1838, the Collège de France; he also directed the historical section of the French National Archives. In 1851, he lost his official positions after refusing to swear an oath to Napoleon III. His major works include the “Histoire de France” and the “Histoire de la Révolution française”. Michelet shaped a republican, patriotic and anticlerical approach to history. In addition to historical works, he wrote books on natural subjects, including “The Bird”, “The Insect” and “The Sea”.