Louis-Pierre Anquetil facts for kids
Louis-Pierre Anquetil (born February 21, 1723 – died September 6, 1808) was a French historian. He spent his life studying and writing about the past. He is best known for his many history books, especially his large "History of France."
Contents
Early Life and Education
Louis-Pierre Anquetil was born in Paris, France, on February 21, 1723. When he was 18, in 1741, he joined a religious group called the Génofévains. This was a community of scholars and teachers.
He became a priest and taught subjects like theology (the study of religion) and literature (the study of written works). He was very dedicated to learning and sharing knowledge.
A Career in Teaching and Writing
Anquetil became the head, or rector, of a school for priests in Reims. While there, he wrote a three-volume book called "Civil and Political History of Reims." This book was published in 1756 and 1757.
In 1759, he became the leader, or prior, of a religious house called the Abbey de la Roe. Soon after, he became the director of a college in Senlis. He continued to write history books during this time.
Important Historical Works
While at Senlis, Anquetil wrote a history of France from the 16th and 17th centuries. This book was published in 1767. It explored the political problems and conflicts of that period.
He also became a member of the Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres. This was a famous French academy for scholars who studied history and literature.
Life During the French Revolution
When the French Revolution began, Anquetil moved to a parish called La Villette, near Paris. However, during a very difficult time known as the Reign of Terror, he was put in prison. This was a period when many people were arrested.
While in prison at St-Lazare, he started writing a summary of world history. This large work was later published in nine volumes.
After the Revolution
After the Revolution, a new important institution was created called the National Institute. Anquetil was chosen to be a member of its Academy of Moral and Political Science. This academy focused on subjects like ethics and politics.
He also worked for the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This experience helped him write about the reasons for wars and peace treaties under the last three kings of France before the Revolution: Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI.
His Famous "History of France"
It is believed that Napoleon himself asked Anquetil to write his most famous work. This was a 14-volume book called "History of France," published in 1805.
Another historian, Augustin Thierry, said Anquetil's work was "cold and colourless." However, despite some criticism, the book was very popular. It went through many editions and made Anquetil famous. Later, another historian named Adolphe Bouillet added six more volumes to it.
Louis-Pierre Anquetil passed away on September 6, 1808. His younger brother, Abraham, was also a well-known scholar who studied Eastern cultures.
