BLANC, JEAN JOSEPH Lours, a celebrated French socialist and historian, was b. at Madrid, 28th Oct., 1813. In 1820, he was placed in the college at Rhodez; in 1830, he went to Paris, and became a clerk in an attorney's office for a short time; but in 1832 he was intrusted with the education of the son of M. liallette, mechanist of Arras. Here he resided for two years, contributing largely, on literary and political subjects. to the Progrhs du Pas-dc-Calak He afterwards went to Paris, where he contributed to various political papers, and where in 1838 he founded the Revue du ProgrCs Politigue, Social et Litteraire, in which he laid down in a more quiet and leisurely way his socialistic theory. In this he brought out his chief work on socialism, the Organisation du Travail, which. in 1840, appeared in a separate form. The book obtained for its author a wide, enthu siastic popularity among the French ouvriers, who were captivated by the brilliancy of the writing, the symmetrical simplicity of the scheme, and the freshness of the views advocated. The book denounces the doctrine of individualism—i.c., individual and competitive efforts in labor—and advocates the absorption of the individual in a vast "solidarity," where "each would receive according to his needs, and contribute accord ing to his abilities." B. nett published (in 1841-44)a historical work, entitled Revolution Francaise: Histoire de Dix Ans, 1830-40, which produced a deadly effect on the Orleans dynasty. Louis Philippe afterwards declared that 'it acted like a battering-ram against the bulwarks of loyalty in France." It owed its success partly to the exposure it gave of the scandalous jobbery and immorality of the crown and its advisers, partly to that passionate ardor which changed the tranquillity of history into the vehemence of a pamphlet, and partly to its academic pomp of style. This was followed by the first volume of a HLItoire de la Resolution Praneaise, in which the author's aim was not only to describe, from his own point of view, the incidents of the first revolution, hut the social history of the 18th century: On the breaking out of Feb. revolution of 1818,
B. seemed likely to play an important part. His connection with the party of the Reforme journal, and his popularity with the working elttsfles, led to his being appointed a member of the provisional government. He was placed by government at the head of the great commission for discussing the problem of labor. At the same time. Marie, minister of public works, began—but withoet 13.'s co-operation—to establish the so-called national workshops, which were to bring about the realization of the socialistic prin ciple, but which only proved the hazardous and impracticable character of B.'s doctrines. The national workshops led to the arrest of the 15111 May, 1848, when B. nomivally, if not actually, again played a prominent part. A proposal was made to prosecute him, but it was negatived by the national assemble. After the June insurrection, he was again accused, and prosecuted for conspiracy, but contrived to escape to London, where he spent many years. During his exile, lie devoted himself to political and historical literature. In 1849 appeared his Appel aux Ronuites Grnx, and Cateehisme, des Soeialiste in 1830, Pages d' lEstoire de la Resolution and in 1851, Plus de Girondins; ha Republique brae et Indivisible. The work which has secured hint the most enduring repu tation is his IIistory of the French Revolutton,wriiten during his residence in England. It is characterized by extensive and original research, which has frequently enabled the author to reverse the common verdicts on historical personages, and to explode many of the extravagant stories of the stormy period of which it treats. In style, it is eloquent, bold. and dignified; and if its sentiments do not always commend themselves to the sober judgment of English readers. there can be but one opinion in regard to its candor, impartiality, and power. It consists of 12 volumes. On the fall of the empire itt 1870, B. returned to France, and in 1871 he was returned to the uational assembly. B. has a great command of the English language.