1503-1559

French Printer and Scholar

Born to a family of printers, Robert Estienne made his mark not only by printing the first editions of many Greek and Roman works but by using the distinct symbol of the olive tree to represent his enterprises. An outspoken humanist, hostility from the theologians of the University of Paris ultimately drove him out of his native France.

Estienne's father Henri founded a printing firm in Paris around 1502. During his reign, the firm produced more than 100 books. Upon his death, Foreman Simon de Colines not only succeeded him but married his widow. At the age of 23, Robert took over the family business from his stepfather.

In 1526 Robert began running the firm and devoted himself to more scholarly pursuits. His focus included his first achievement, a Latin Bible issued in 1527-1528 as well as his most influential work, Dictionarium sue linguae latinae...