TAINE, Hippolyte-Adolphe. Les Origines de la France contemporaine. Published in Paris by Hachette et Cie between 1885 and 1887. In 4 volumes, In-8 format. Brown morocco half-chagrin, false ribbed spine decorated with gilt fleurons, author and title in gilt lettering, gilt date at foot, bookmarks preserved. III and 465 pp; II and 487 pp; IV and 646 pp; VIII and 553 pp. Spine slightly sunned, minor rubbing to headpieces. Some foxing. Important study by Hippolyte Taine (1828-1893) on the origins of contemporary France, undertaken in the aftermath of the 1870 debacle. A masterpiece of style and thought, in which the author analyzes each era as a whole, addressing politics as well as morals and mentalities. Set in 4 volumes (out of 5), including 3 volumes devoted to the Revolution. Volume 1: L'anarchie (1885 with mention of 14th edition); Volume 2: La conquête Jacobine (1885, mention of 13th edition); Volume 3: Le gouvernement Révolutionnaire (1887, mention of 10th edition). And a volume on the Ancien Régime (1887, 15th edition). A major work in the history of French political thought, nicely bound in uniform.