Three octavo vols. iv, 491; iv, 375; iv, 372pp. Without the illustration of the first issue. Sue's novel of social and institutional critique cemented the importance of serial publication in France, which at the time of its appearance in 1844 was beginning to rev in the popular reading culture. Its traction may come as something of a surprise; Sue's semi-fantastical historical fiction offered overt condemnation of the Catholic church, setting up the Jesuit order as something of a controlling cabal whose persecution of Huguenot Protestants could only be deterred by Sue's titular hero (whose religious affiliation is likewise complicated as a literary trope). Volumes identically bound in half calf with marbled paper over boards, leather spine labels, and gilt ornamentation to spine compartments. Modest shelfwear, occasional loss of calf to corners, some interior foxing, else a very good set. All edges marbled.