Four dictionaries printed by Robert Estienne, 1531-1552

From 1531 onwards, Robert Estienne published a series of dictionaries or lexicons: the Latinae linguae Thesaurus (1531, 1536, 1543), the Dictionarium latinogallicum (1538, 1546, 1552) and the Dictionaire francois latin (1539, 1549), constantly revised and corrected, are above all intended to facilitate access to the biblical text; in return, their proposals establish the correct usage and transcription of Latin and those of the French language. The idea that the vernacular plays a role in learning Latin is innovative. The Dictionnaire francois latin is the first lexicon with entries in French, designating Latin equivalents, followed by developments in the national language. Estienne also disseminated grammatical thought, with the aim of drawing up “certain rules both for the intelligence of words, and for the right escripture of iceulx.” He took charge of most of the work, and called on numerous scholars of his time to complete it. This undertaking is inseparable from his proposed rereading of the sacred texts, which he wanted to make accessible to as many people as possible.

His dictionaries included abridged versions aimed at a young readership, such as the Dictionariolum puerorum latinogallicum or Mots françois rangez selon l'ordre des lettres, which were revised several times and republished from the 16th to the end of the 17th century.

Typography also plays an essential role in this educational effort. Just as Estienne “invented” the indent to distinguish Bible verses, so he popularized the combination of roman and italics in his dictionaries to distinguish languages. His own typefaces were sufficient for the composition of texts, and their excellence was a measure of the quality of his works. Garamont’s typefaces as patterns became the typographic standard for early modern lexicography.