Étienne Pasquier

Étienne Pasquier, born on June 7, 1529, in Paris, was a distinguished French lawyer and a man of letters whose contributions spanned writing, history, and poetry. Although some sources suggest he may have been born in 1528, his legal career began when he was called to the Paris bar in 1549. His life took a dramatic turn in 1558 when he fell gravely ill after consuming poisonous mushrooms, a setback that led him to immerse himself in literary pursuits.

In 1560, Pasquier published the first volume of his seminal work, Recherches de la France, which would become a cornerstone of his literary legacy. His reputation soared in 1565 when he delivered a compelling speech defending the University of Paris against the Jesuits, a victory that marked a significant moment in his career. Throughout the years, he continued to publish various works while diligently advancing his research.

Pasquier's legal and literary paths intersected notably during the Grands Jours of Poitiers in 1579, an irregular assize where he served as an official. His experiences there, along with those at the Grands Jours of Troyes in 1583, inspired a collection of poems that showcased his wit and literary flair. In 1585, he was appointed advocate-general at the Paris cours des comptes by Henry III, where he notably opposed the sale of hereditary offices.

Despite the turmoil of the civil wars that forced him to leave Paris, Pasquier returned in March 1594 with Henry IV. He continued his work until 1604 before retiring, during which time he produced a wealth of literary material. He passed away on September 1, 1615, after a brief illness. Although his extensive body of work has never been fully compiled, the Amsterdam edition of 1723 remains the standard reference, while selections by Léon Feugbre offer accessible insights into his contributions.