Gabriel Naude French physician, librarian and scientist Date of Birth: 02.02.1600 Country: France

1. Biography of Gabriel Naudé
2. Educational Background
3. Early Career
4. Becoming a Renowned Librarian
5. The Mazarin Library
6. Legacy

Biography of Gabriel Naudé

Gabriel Naudé was born on February 2, 1600, in Paris, France. He came from a modest family, with his father working as a minor official in the finance department and his mother being illiterate. However, he had an uncle, Pierre Naudé, who rose in the ranks of the church and served as the head of the Paris chapter of the Minim order. From a young age, Gabriel showed a sharp mind and a passion for learning.

Educational Background

Naudé began his education at various colleges, including the College du cardinal-Lemoine, College d'Harcourt, and the College de Navarre, where he studied philosophy and grammar. He obtained a master's degree in arts and was advised by his acquaintances and patrons to pursue a doctorate in theology, which was considered a pathway to social advancement. However, Naudé chose to study medicine, attending classes in Paris and Padua under the guidance of Professor Cesare Cremonini.

Early Career

At the age of 20, Naudé published his first book, "Le Marfore ou Discours Contre les Lisbelles," in which he defended Charles d'Albert, the Constable of France, against attacks by Charles d'Albert. This book caught the attention of Henri de Mesme, the President of the Paris Parliament, who offered Naudé a position as the librarian of his personal collection. Working in Mesme's extensive library provided Naudé with valuable experience that he later incorporated into his work "Advis pour dresser une bibliothèque" (Advice on Establishing a Library).

Becoming a Renowned Librarian

In 1629, Naudé became the librarian to Cardinal Jean-François de Bagni in Rome. After Bagni's death in 1641, he served as the librarian to Cardinal Francesco Barberini. At the request of Cardinal Richelieu, Naudé engaged in a controversy with the Benedictines, refuting Jean Gerson's authorship of "De Imitatione Christi." Richelieu intended to make Naudé his personal librarian, but before this could happen, he passed away. After Richelieu's death, Cardinal Mazarin offered Naudé the same position.

The Mazarin Library

For the next ten years, Naudé traveled throughout Europe, collecting books for Cardinal Mazarin's library. Mazarin believed in the importance of open libraries and generously funded Naudé's journeys. During one such trip, Naudé gathered over 14,000 volumes. By 1648, the Mazarin Library housed at least 40,000 books and was open to the public, regardless of social status. It had numerous patrons and a dedicated staff.

Legacy

During the tumultuous times of the Fronde, the library was sold to the Paris Parliament. Queen Christina of Sweden then invited Naudé to Stockholm, but he was unhappy there. When Cardinal Mazarin offered him his previous position, Naudé returned to Paris. Unfortunately, his health deteriorated, and he passed away on July 10, 1653, in Abbeville. Nevertheless, the library he created became the foundation of the oldest public library in France, which is still named after the Italian cardinal.