A 17th-century French lawyer, philologist, and scholar who made significant contributions to the fields of linguistics, history, and literature, particularly in the study of ancient Greek and Roman texts.
Gilles Mnage was a French scholar, known for his vast knowledge and enthusiasm for learning, which carried him quickly through his literary and professional studies. He is particularly famous for his edition of the Lives of Eminent Philosophers by Diogenes Laertius, published in London in 1664, which contained an unedited anonymous life of Aristotle, later known as the Vita Menagiana.
Mnage was born on August 15, 1613, in Angers, France, to Guillaume Mnage, the king's advocate at Angers. He demonstrated a remarkable memory and eagerness to learn from an early age, which propelled him through his literary and professional studies.
Before the age of twenty, Mnage practiced law at Angers and pleaded several causes before the Parlement of Paris. However, illness led him to abandon his legal career for the church, becoming the prior of Montdidier without taking holy orders. This new path allowed him to focus on his literary pursuits, and he eventually became a member of the household of Cardinal de Retz, where he found the leisure to indulge in his love for learning.
During his time in Paris, Mnage founded the Mercuriales, a weekly Wednesday evening gathering of literary enthusiasts at his house in the cloister of Notre-Dame de Paris. This intellectual hub attracted prominent figures such as Jean Chapelain, Paul Pellisson, Valentin Conrart, Jean François Sarrazin, and Du Bos, who would engage in lively debates and discussions on various topics.
Mnage was also a dedicated tutor, particularly to the young Marie-Madeleine Fayette, who would later become a renowned writer. He was deeply attached to his pupil and played a significant role in shaping her literary skills.
Mnage's erudition earned him recognition from the Accademia della Crusca of Florence, but his caustic wit and sharp tongue led to his exclusion from the Académie française. He also faced satire from prominent writers like Boileau and Molière, the latter immortalizing him as the pedant Vadius in his play Les Femmes savantes.
Gilles Mnage's contributions to the world of literature and philosophy are undeniable. His edition of Diogenes Laertius' Lives of Eminent Philosophers remains a significant work in the field of classical studies. Despite the controversies and criticisms he faced during his lifetime, Mnage's legacy as a scholar and literary figure continues to inspire and intrigue scholars and readers alike.
Gilles Mnage's life and career serve as a testament to the power of intellectual curiosity and the importance of fostering a community of like-minded individuals. Through his writings and teachings, he continues to inspire future generations of scholars and writers.
Born in 1636
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