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Jean-Marie-Bernard ClementFrench writer, linguist
Date of Birth: 25.12.1742
Country:  France |
Content:
- Jean-François Clément
- Literary Polemics and Critical Writings
- Translations and Other Literary Contributions
Jean-François Clément
Early Life and EducationJean-François Clément was a French writer and linguist. He initially studied philosophy at the Collège de Dijon before moving to Paris, where he found patronage under the philosopher and historian Gabriel Bonnot de Mably.
Literary Polemics and Critical Writings
In 1771, Clément published his first major work, a critical review of Abbé Jacques Delille's translation of Virgil's "Georgics." This scathing critique, the only negative one among many published, propelled Clément into prominence. He subsequently embarked on a protracted literary polemic against the renowned philosopher and writer Voltaire, penning nine articles against him over a period of nine years. Voltaire, in a clever play on words, dubbed Clément "l'inclément" (the unmerciful), a reference to the double meaning of Clément's last name (meaning "merciful" in French).
Clément's critical stance centered on the belief that ancient classical literature was superior to contemporary works.
Translations and Other Literary Contributions
In addition to his critical writings, Clément was also a prolific translator. His notable translations include the Italian poet Torquato Tasso's epic poem "Jerusalem Delivered" (1801), three volumes of Cicero's works (1783-1789), and Achilles Tatius' "Leucippe and Clitophon" (1800).
Clément also wrote a tragedy titled "Medea" (1779) and published a collection of satires in 1786. Notably, he collaborated with Joseph de La Porte to compile "Anecdotes Dramatiques" (1775), a comprehensive dictionary of theatrical and dramatic affairs.
