# Guillaume Budé

> French scholar, humanist and administrator (1467-1540)

**Wikidata**: [Q353668](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q353668)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guillaume_Budé)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/guillaume-bude

## Summary
Guillaume Budé was a French scholar, humanist, and administrator (1467–1540) who played a key role in the Renaissance humanist movement. He was a librarian, translator, and classical scholar, known for his extensive work in preserving and editing ancient texts, particularly those of Greek and Roman authors.

## Biography
- Born: January 26, 1467, in Tours, France
- Nationality: French
- Education: Studied at the University of Orléans and the Collège de France
- Known for: Editing and translating classical texts, including works by Homer, Plato, and Aristotle
- Employer(s): University of Orléans, Collège de France
- Field(s): Classical studies, philology, administration

## Contributions
- **Editions of Classical Works**: Published critical editions of ancient texts, including *Iliad* and *Odyssey* by Homer, *Republic* by Plato, and *Politics* by Aristotle. His editions were among the first to use textual criticism methods.
- **Philological Research**: Advocated for the study of ancient languages and literature, contributing to the development of philology as a discipline.
- **Administrative Role**: Served as a royal librarian and advisor, overseeing the royal library and promoting the preservation of manuscripts.
- **Founding of the Association Guillaume Budé**: Established in 1917, this learned society continues to support classical studies.

## FAQs
**What was Guillaume Budé's primary field of study?**
Guillaume Budé specialized in classical studies, particularly the editing and translation of ancient Greek and Roman texts. His work laid the foundation for modern philology.

**Where did Guillaume Budé study and work?**
He studied at the University of Orléans and the Collège de France, where he later served as a professor and librarian. His academic career was deeply tied to these institutions.

**What are some of his most notable works?**
Budé is best known for his editions of Homer’s *Iliad* and *Odyssey*, as well as his translations of Plato’s *Republic* and Aristotle’s *Politics*. These works were instrumental in the Renaissance revival of classical learning.

**How did Guillaume Budé influence the study of ancient texts?**
He pioneered the use of textual criticism in editing classical works, ensuring greater accuracy and accessibility of ancient texts for later scholars.

**What was his role in the royal library?**
As a royal librarian, Budé oversaw the preservation and organization of the royal library, promoting the study of classical literature and its preservation.

## Why They Matter
Guillaume Budé was a pivotal figure in the Renaissance humanist movement, bridging the gap between ancient and modern scholarship. His editions of classical texts, particularly Homer’s works, became foundational for the study of Greek literature. By advocating for textual criticism, he shaped the methods of philology, influencing generations of scholars. His administrative role in the royal library ensured the survival of countless manuscripts, making him a key figure in the preservation of cultural heritage. Budé’s work laid the groundwork for modern classical studies, ensuring that ancient knowledge remained accessible and influential in the European intellectual landscape.

## Notable For
- First to publish critical editions of Homer’s *Iliad* and *Odyssey* using textual criticism.
- Founder of the Association Guillaume Budé, a learned society dedicated to classical studies.
- Royal librarian and advisor, overseeing the preservation of the royal library.
- Pioneer in the field of philology, advocating for the scientific study of ancient texts.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Guillaume Budé was born on January 26, 1467, in Tours, France. He studied at the University of Orléans, where he developed a deep interest in classical literature. His education continued at the Collège de France, a prestigious institution that would later become a key center of his academic career.

### Academic Career
Budé began his academic career as a professor at the Collège de France, where he taught rhetoric and philosophy. His lectures and writings were highly regarded, attracting students and scholars from across Europe. He also served as the royal librarian, a position that allowed him to oversee the collection and preservation of manuscripts in the royal library.

### Philological Contributions
Budé is best known for his editions of classical texts, particularly those of Homer. His *Iliad* and *Odyssey* were among the first to use textual criticism, ensuring greater accuracy in the transmission of ancient literature. He also translated and edited works by Plato and Aristotle, contributing to the Renaissance revival of classical thought. His methods became foundational for the study of ancient texts, influencing later scholars in the field of philology.

### Administrative Role
As a royal librarian, Budé played a crucial role in the preservation of the royal library. He oversaw the organization and cataloging of manuscripts, ensuring their survival for future generations. His administrative work was instrumental in maintaining the intellectual heritage of the French monarchy.

### Legacy and Influence
Guillaume Budé’s work had a lasting impact on the study of classical literature. His editions of Homer’s works became standard references, and his methods of textual criticism shaped the development of philology. The Association Guillaume Budé, founded in 1917, continues to honor his legacy by promoting classical studies. His contributions to the preservation of ancient texts ensured that classical knowledge remained accessible and influential in the European intellectual landscape.

### Later Years and Death
Budé passed away on August 22, 1540, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence classical studies. His work remains a cornerstone of Renaissance humanism, demonstrating the enduring importance of classical learning in the European intellectual tradition.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. Genealogics
4. Contemporaries of Erasmus (vol. 1)
5. Mathematics Genealogy Project
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. CiNii Research
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. Répertoire analytique et chronologique de la correspondance de Guillaume Budé
11. [Source](http://digitale.beic.it/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?fn=search&vid=BEIC&vl%283134987UI0%29=creator&vl%28freeText0%29=Budé%20Guillaume)
12. Early Modern Letters Online
13. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
14. Enciclopedia Treccani
15. [Source](http://www.maru.firenze.sbn.it/MareMagnum/mare_magnum.htm)
16. LIBRIS. 2012
17. Provenio
18. HMML Authority File
19. Digital Scriptorium Catalog