EXEMPLAIRE DE JULES FERRY Ernest HAVET - Le christianisme... Lot 160

[EXEMPLAIRE DE JULES FERRY] Ernest HAVET - Le christianisme et ses origines Published by Michel Levy, Paris, 1871 (volumes 1 and 2)-1878 (volume 3)-1884 (volume 4) - A very fine copy of the rare first edition of this important work on Christianity, whose work "Jésus dans l'histoire" (Jesus in History) had a considerable impact, as did his friend Ernest Renan's "La vie de Jésus" (The Life of Jesus). The 4 volumes are dated without mention of edition, which assures us that this is the original edition in its entirety. Almost uniform bindings (the work having been published over 13 years, copies in uniform bindings are almost impossible to find) in period brown half-chagrin, good condition overall, some rubbing to spines, 4 false nerves, title, author and tomaisons in gilt lettering. Very fresh interior, free of foxing. Exceptional dedication from the author to Jules Ferry in the 4th volume, "A Monsieur Jules Ferry, hommage de l'auteur", the 4 volumes are stamped "Abel Ferry, Bibliothèque Jules Ferry" on the title pages. Nephew of Jules Ferry and a politician himself, who died for France in 1915, he inherited Jules Ferry's library on his death, or was at least responsible for its preservation. In-8, 401pp, 389pp + table, 517pp + table, 524pp + table. Provenance: Jules Ferry, minister, mayor of Paris and president of the Senate, who initiated the free public school laws.