Historical Figures

François Rabelais

Originally from the upper middle class of Chinon, François Rabelais was first a Benedictine monk, then a Cordelier, before swapping his homespun robe for a doctor's coat (1537). Gradually, he turned to writing. Writer and above all a great humanist, François Rabelais tinted the French language written in “middle French” with a laugh and great joviality; he invents expressions that have passed into the current language:"Panurge's sheep", "marrow substance", "dive bottle", etc. The publication of his Gargantua (1534) under a pseudonym, Alcofrybas Nasier, did not prevent the Sorbonne from condemning him, but he received the support of the bishop of Estissac. Three years later these are the volumes of Pantagruel (1532-1553) who made him flee to Italy, under the protection of Cardinal Jean Du Bellay. On his return, he continued to publish the volumes of Pantagruel with the approval of King François 1 st . The last will be published posthumously. François Rabelais, placing an inexhaustible trust in man, is one of the greatest humanists of the Renaissance.

Around 1494 - April 9, 1553

Status

Ecclesiastic

Doctor

Humanist writer


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