# Antoine Galland

> French orientalist, numismatist and translator (1646–1715)

**Wikidata**: [Q319399](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q319399)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antoine_Galland)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/antoine-galland

## Summary
Antoine Galland was a French orientalist, numismatist, and translator (1646–1715). He is best known for his 1704 translation of *Les Mille et Une Nuits*, the first European version of the *Arabian Nights* tales, which significantly influenced Western literature and culture.

## Biography
- Born: 1646 (exact location not specified)
- Nationality: French
- Education: Affiliated with the Collège de France, a French higher education and research establishment in Paris
- Known for: Translating *Les Mille et Une Nuits* and contributing to numismatics and archaeology
- Employer(s): Collège de France, Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres
- Field(s): Oriental studies, numismatics, archaeology, translation

## Contributions
- **Translation of *Les Mille et Une Nuits***: Galland published the first European translation of the *Arabian Nights* in 1704, which became a foundational work in Western literature and influenced later storytelling and cultural exchange.
- **Numismatic Studies**: As a numismatist, he studied currencies, coins, and paper money, contributing to the field of archaeology through material culture analysis.
- **Orientalist Research**: His work in oriental studies helped bridge European and Middle Eastern intellectual traditions, particularly in the study of ancient texts and historical artifacts.

## FAQs
- **What was Antoine Galland’s most significant work?**
  Galland’s 1704 translation of *Les Mille et Une Nuits* was his most significant contribution, making the *Arabian Nights* accessible to European audiences and shaping Western literature.

- **In which fields did Antoine Galland work?**
  He worked in oriental studies, numismatics, archaeology, and translation, studying ancient texts, coins, and cultural artifacts.

- **Where did Antoine Galland study?**
  He was affiliated with the Collège de France, a prestigious French institution for higher education and research.

- **What academic societies was Antoine Galland associated with?**
  He was a member of the Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres, a French learned society focused on the humanities.

## Why They Matter
Antoine Galland’s translation of *Les Mille et Une Nuits* was a landmark in cultural exchange, introducing Middle Eastern storytelling to Europe and inspiring generations of writers. His work in numismatics and archaeology provided valuable insights into ancient economies and material culture. By bridging European and Middle Eastern knowledge, Galland played a crucial role in shaping the intellectual and literary landscape of his time.

## Notable For
- First European translator of *Les Mille et Une Nuits* (1704)
- Contributor to numismatics and archaeology through the study of coins and currencies
- Member of the Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres, a leading French academic society
- Affiliated with the Collège de France, a prestigious institution for higher education and research

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Antoine Galland was born in 1646 and was a French national. He received his education at the Collège de France, a renowned institution for higher education and research in Paris. His affiliation with this institution laid the foundation for his scholarly pursuits in oriental studies, numismatics, and archaeology.

### Career and Scholarly Contributions
Galland’s career was marked by his contributions to multiple fields. As an orientalist, he studied ancient texts and cultural artifacts, particularly those from the Middle East. His most notable work was the 1704 translation of *Les Mille et Une Nuits*, the first European version of the *Arabian Nights* tales. This translation became a foundational text in Western literature, influencing storytelling and cultural exchange for centuries.

In numismatics, Galland studied currencies, coins, and paper money, contributing to the field of archaeology through his analysis of material culture. His research provided valuable insights into ancient economies and historical contexts.

### Academic Affiliations
Galland was affiliated with the Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres, a French learned society dedicated to the humanities. Founded in 1663, this academy was one of the five academies of the Institut de France and played a significant role in advancing scholarly research. His membership in this institution underscored his commitment to intellectual inquiry and cultural preservation.

### Legacy and Influence
Antoine Galland’s work had a lasting impact on European literature and cultural studies. His translation of *Les Mille et Une Nuits* introduced Middle Eastern storytelling to a wider audience, shaping the development of Western fiction and fantasy genres. Additionally, his contributions to numismatics and archaeology enriched the understanding of ancient economies and material culture.

Galland’s influence extended beyond his lifetime, as his research and translations continue to be studied and referenced in academic circles. His ability to bridge European and Middle Eastern knowledge made him a pivotal figure in the intellectual and cultural exchange of his time.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. Muʻjam al-udabāʼ : min al-ʻAṣr al-Jāhilī ḥattá sanat 2002
4. [Source](https://www.theses.fr/2009PA030013.pdf)
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. CiNii Research
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. MusicBrainz
9. International Music Score Library Project
10. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
11. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
12. Vegetti Catalog of Fantastic Literature
13. FINA Wiki
14. SNAC
15. AlKindi
16. Antoine Galland. La France savante
17. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
18. CONOR.SI
19. La France savante
20. LIBRIS. 2002
21. [Histoire d'Aboulhassan Ali Ebn Becar et de Schemselmhar favorite du calife Haroun Al-Rashid.](https://www.stedelijk.nl/nl/collectie/20723-onbekend-histoire-d%27aboulhassan-ali-ebn-becar-et-de-schemselmhar-favorite-du-calife-haroun-al-rashid.)
22. [Source](https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/galland-antoine)
23. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
24. HMML Authority File