Robert Estienne: The King's Printer
Robert Estienne (1503-1559), also known as Robertus Stephanus, was a prominent French printer and scholar during the 16th century. He played a crucial role in the dissemination of knowledge and the development of modern scholarship.
Key Contributions:
- Printer Extraordinaire: As the son of Henri Estienne, the founder of the Estienne printing firm, Robert inherited a legacy of typographical excellence. He expanded on this, becoming renowned for the high quality and accuracy of his printed works.
- Biblical Scholar: Estienne was deeply involved in the printing and study of the Bible. His editions of the Greek New Testament were particularly influential, introducing the verse division and numbering system still used today.
- Thesaurus Linguae Latinae: His most monumental work was the Thesaurus Linguae Latinae, a comprehensive Latin dictionary that laid the foundation for modern Latin lexicography.
- Champion of Humanism: Estienne embraced the humanist ideals of his time, emphasizing the importance of classical studies and the use of original languages.
- Conflict with Authority: Due to his theological views and his critical editions of the Bible, Estienne faced opposition from the Sorbonne and the Catholic Church. This led to his eventual exile to Geneva.
Legacy:
Robert Estienne's contributions to printing, scholarship, and the dissemination of knowledge have had a lasting impact. His work helped to shape the intellectual landscape of the 16th century and beyond.
