Jacques Lelong, French author (d. 1721)

Born in the vibrant heart of Paris on April 19, 1665, Jacques Lelong, sometimes known by his Latinized name Jacobus Longus, embarked on an extraordinary intellectual journey that would profoundly shape French bibliography. His early life took an interesting turn; at the tender age of ten, he joined the prestigious Knights of Malta, an order historically associated with military and charitable endeavors. However, his path soon diverged towards a different kind of service and scholarship when he became a member of the Oratorians. This religious congregation, known for its emphasis on education, intellectual pursuits, and the spiritual formation of its members, provided an ideal environment for Lelong's burgeoning scholarly inclinations. He was ordained as a priest within the Oratory and subsequently dedicated his life to erudition, serving as the esteemed librarian for the Order’s establishment in Paris. It was in this setting, largely in seclusion, that he immersed himself in the painstaking work that would define his legacy.

Lelong’s meticulous dedication bore fruit in two monumental works that became cornerstones of their respective fields. His first major publication, the Bibliotheca Sacra, released in 1709, was a groundbreaking achievement. It served as a comprehensive index of all known editions of the Bible, a critical resource for theologians, scholars, and anyone engaged in biblical studies during a period when the proliferation of printed texts made such a systematic catalog indispensable. This work alone cemented his reputation as a diligent and precise bibliographer.

However, it was his Bibliothèque historique de la France, published a decade later in 1719, that truly showcased the breadth of his ambition and the depth of his scholarship. This volume was a work of considerable size and unparalleled scope for its time, meticulously cataloging an impressive 17,487 items related to French history. Lelong often enriched these entries with his own insightful and useful notes, transforming a mere list into a more descriptive and valuable reference tool. The Bibliothèque historique quickly established itself as a foundational guide for anyone researching the rich tapestry of French historical documents and publications.

The Enduring Legacy: A Collaborative Masterpiece

Despite the immense accomplishment of Lelong’s work, the sheer scale of the subject matter meant that his Bibliothèque historique was far from complete upon his passing on August 13, 1721. He had harbored a sincere hope that his friend and fellow scholar, Father Desmolets, would continue this vital undertaking. Unfortunately, this was not to be, and the project remained paused for some time.

The torch was eventually picked up by Charles-Marie Fevret de Fontette, a distinguished councillor of the parlement of Dijon. Fevret de Fontette embarked on a truly colossal endeavor, committing fifteen years of his life and a significant personal fortune to meticulously rewriting and vastly expanding the Bibliothèque historique. His dedication led to the publication of the first two volumes of this new edition in 1768 and 1769, which already contained an astonishing 29,143 items – a testament to the exponential growth of historical scholarship and the thoroughness of his revision.

Tragically, Fevret de Fontette died on February 16, 1772, with the third volume of his monumental revision almost finished. Mercifully, the project did not falter. Thanks to the diligent efforts of Barbaud de La Bruyère, the third volume was brought to completion and appeared later that same year. La Bruyère’s commitment ensured the continuity of this vital work, and he subsequently oversaw the publication of the fourth and fifth volumes in 1775 and 1778, respectively. This completed new edition of the Bibliothèque historique de la France emerged as a work of reference of the highest order, its comprehensive nature, accuracy, and collaborative heritage making it an indispensable resource that retains significant value for scholars and historians even today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Jacques Lelong?
Jacques Lelong (1665–1721) was a French bibliographer and priest of the Oratory, born in Paris. He is primarily known for his pioneering bibliographic works, particularly the Bibliotheca Sacra and the foundational Bibliothèque historique de la France.
What were Lelong's main contributions to bibliography?
Lelong's chief contributions were the Bibliotheca Sacra (1709), a comprehensive index of Bible editions, and the original Bibliothèque historique de la France (1719), which cataloged 17,487 items related to French history and served as an essential reference for future historical research.
Why was his work, particularly the Bibliothèque historique de la France, considered "incomplete"?
Given the vast scope of French history and the continuous production of new historical texts, Lelong’s initial volume, while monumental, could not possibly be exhaustive. He also passed away before he could further expand or update it, leaving a significant opportunity for future development.
Who completed and expanded Lelong's Bibliothèque historique de la France?
The work was significantly expanded and rewritten by Charles-Marie Fevret de Fontette in the mid-18th century. After Fevret de Fontette's death, Barbaud de La Bruyère completed the remaining volumes, bringing the new edition to a total of five volumes.
What is the lasting importance of the expanded Bibliothèque historique de la France?
The expanded edition of the Bibliothèque historique de la France is considered a work of reference of the highest order. Its meticulous cataloging and comprehensive coverage of French historical sources made it, and continues to make it, an invaluable resource for historians and scholars, providing a foundational bibliography for the study of France's past.