A 16th-century French historian who wrote a monumental history of his time, covering the years 1546 to 1607, and is considered one of the greatest historians of the Renaissance.
Jacques Auguste de Thou, a French historian, book collector, and president of the Parlement of Paris, is renowned for his meticulous documentation of French history, amassing a vast collection of books, and serving as a pillar of the French judiciary.
Born on October 8, 1553, in Paris, de Thou was the grandson of Augustin de Thou, a president of the Parlement of Paris, and the third son of Christophe de Thou, a premier président of the same parlement. His family background instilled in him a profound love for literature, a firm yet tolerant piety, and an unwavering loyalty to the Crown.
At the tender age of seventeen, de Thou began his studies in law, first at Orléans, then at Bourges, where he befriended the esteemed scholar Franois Hotman. He later moved to Valence, where he was taught by the illustrious Jacques Cujas and counted Joseph Justus Scaliger among his friends.
Following the death of his elder brother Jean in 1579, de Thou's relatives encouraged him to leave the Church and pursue a career in the parlement. He entered the parlement in 1588, the same year he married, and was appointed conseiller d'état.
De Thou remained faithful to both Henry III and Henry IV, as he believed in upholding the legitimate authority of the monarch.
Throughout his life, de Thou amassed an impressive collection of books, which would eventually become one of the largest and most valuable in Europe. His meticulous documentation of French history has left an indelible mark on the field, earning him recognition as one of the most erudite historians of his time.
De Thou's contributions to French historiography have cemented his place as a towering figure in the realm of historical scholarship. His work continues to inspire and inform historians to this day, solidifying his legacy as a champion of intellectual pursuits.
Jacques Auguste de Thou passed away on May 7, 1617, in Paris, leaving behind a rich cultural heritage that continues to enrich our understanding of France's intricate history.
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