SAINTE-BEUVE, C.-A. (CHARLES AUGUSTIN).

Port-Royal. Tome I-III.

Paris, Eugéne Renduel, 1840-48. Bound in 3 contemp. hcloth, gilt lettering to spines. (4),526;(4),III,569,(2);VI,604 pp. Some browning, scattered brownspots.

First edition of this critical work by Sainte-Beuve, published in three volumes in 1840-48. It was based on a series of lectures he gave at the University of Lausanne in 1837-38. This monumental assemblage of scholarship, insights, and historical acumen - a unique work of its kind - chronicles the history of the Cistercian abbey of Port-Royal. The abbey, with its associated community of brilliant scholars and teachers, was famous in the 17th century as a centre of Jansenism.

Order-nr.: 50541