MICHELET (Jules) - QUINET (Edgar) Des Jésuites, Paris: Hachette, Paulin, 1843. - In-8, blond calf, gilded fillets framing the covers, ornate ribbed spine, interior gilt roulette, marbled edges (period binding). First edition. This important book reproduces the lessons on the Jesuits given by Jules Michelet and Edgar Quinet at the Collège de France. A great success at the time, it went through at least 7 editions in two years, and was reissued by Pauvert in 1966. A precious copy by Abel-François Villemain (1791-1870), literary historian and former teacher of Michelet, who became Minister of Public Instruction (1839 and 1840-1844). It includes this letter signed by Michelet and countersigned by Quinet: "A Monsieur le ministre // de l'instruction publique // hommage des auteurs // E. A fine copy printed on vellum paper, very well bound at the time, with some wear and tear, and a tear at the head cover. Provenance: Abel-François Villemain, with consignment.