François Catrou: the story on HearLore

François Catrou

François Catrou was born on the 28th of December 1659 in Paris, the son of Mathurin Catrou, a secretary to the Sun King Louis XIV. His early life promised a future of literary brilliance, marked by a facility and grace in composition that set him apart from his peers. At the age of eighteen, he entered the Society of Jesus, beginning a rigorous period of probation and study that would define his life's trajectory. During these formative years, his talents for preaching were discovered and nurtured, leading to a decade of active career as a preacher from 1690 to 1700, where he achieved remarkable success. In 1701, he founded the Journal de Trévoux, a publication that would become a significant platform for intellectual discourse, and he remained an active member of its staff for twelve years, balancing his journalistic duties with deep historical research.

Chronicles of the Mogul Empire

The Histoire generale de l'empire du Mogul, published in 1705, stands as one of Catrou's most significant contributions to historical literature. This work drew its primary material from the memoirs of the Venetian traveller Niccolao Manucci, offering a detailed account of the Mogul Dynasty. The text was later translated into Italian as Istoria generale del Imperio del Mogul by Domenico Occhi and published in Venice in 1751. An English translation, titled History of the Mogul Dynasty, was published in London in 1826 and again in 1907, with the latter edition including a foreword that provides a detailed description of Catrou's method of dealing with Manucci's text. This work not only provided a comprehensive history of the Mogul Empire but also showcased Catrou's ability to synthesize complex historical narratives into accessible and engaging prose.

The Controversial Protestant History

Catrou's Histoire du fanatisme dans la religion protestante was a controversial work that dealt principally with the Anabaptists and the Quakers. The best edition of this work was published in two duodecimo volumes in Paris in 1740. This book reflected Catrou's deep engagement with religious debates of his time, and his approach to the subject matter was both scholarly and provocative. The work's controversial nature stemmed from its critical examination of Protestant religious movements, which were often viewed with suspicion by Catholic authorities. Catrou's treatment of these topics demonstrated his willingness to tackle contentious issues, even at the risk of alienating certain segments of his audience. The book's publication and subsequent reception highlighted the tensions between Catholic and Protestant factions in early 18th-century France.

Common questions

When was François Catrou born and where was he born?

François Catrou was born on the 28th of December 1659 in Paris. He was the son of Mathurin Catrou, who served as a secretary to the Sun King Louis XIV.

What major publications did François Catrou found or edit during his career?

François Catrou founded the Journal de Trévoux in 1701 and edited the Histoire romaine between 1725 and 1737. He also published the Histoire generale de l'empire du Mogul in 1705 and the Histoire du fanatisme dans la religion protestante in 1740.

How did François Catrou contribute to the study of the Mogul Empire?

François Catrou wrote the Histoire generale de l'empire du Mogul in 1705, which drew primary material from the memoirs of the Venetian traveller Niccolao Manucci. This work provided a detailed account of the Mogul Dynasty and was later translated into Italian and English.

Why was François Catrou's Histoire du fanatisme dans la religion protestante controversial?

François Catrou's Histoire du fanatisme dans la religion protestante was controversial because it critically examined Protestant religious movements such as the Anabaptists and the Quakers. The work reflected deep engagement with religious debates of his time and highlighted tensions between Catholic and Protestant factions in early 18th-century France.

Which historian was influenced by François Catrou's work on Roman history?

British historian Nathaniel Hooke was inspired by François Catrou's Histoire romaine and drew freely from the text of Catrou and the critical notes of P. Rouillé. The work provided inspiration despite receiving severe censure for its pompous style.

How did François Catrou's translation of Virgil influence future scholars?

François Catrou's translation of Virgil became a constant companion of the historian Edward Gibbon during his early studies. Gibbon consulted Catrou's work alongside other commentators, highlighting the lasting impact of Catrou's annotations on future generations of historians.