François Rabelais

1483?-1553, French humanist, one of the great comic geniuses of literature. Joining the Franciscan order, Rabelais studied Greek and Latin as well as science, law, philology, and letters. He later left the Franciscans to become a Benedictine monk. He received (1530) a degree in medicine from the University of Montpellier, where he later taught (1537-38). He went to Lyons (1532) to practice medicine, and it was there that his satirical masterpiece, Gargantua and Pantagruel (1532-62), was published. The work, in five books, is as gigantic in scope as the physical size of its heroes. Beneath its broad, often ribald humor are serious discussions of education, politics, philosophy, and religion. The breadth of Rabelais’ learning and his zest for life are evident. The work was condemned by the Sorbonne, however, and Rabelais was saved from persecution for heresy only by the protection of his friend, Cardinal Jean du Bellay. He spent his last years as curate at Meudon (1550-52).

Rabelais was born about 1483 in Poitou, France. They say his father was a hemp farmer. About 1510 he became a novice in the order of St. Francis at La Baumette and later moved to the convent at Fontenay-le-Comte. There he became interested in humanism and read the works of the classical Greeks. Fearful that such studies, which emphasized the worth of the individual, might lead to heresy, his superiors tried to discourage him.

Rabelais left Fontenay-le-Comte to join the Benedictine order. A few years later he settled at Montpellier in the south of France to study medicine. He lectured at the university there and in 1530 became physician of a hospital in Lyon. About this time he became acquainted with Jean du Bellay, who was later made a cardinal. When Bellay went to Rome in 1534, Rabelais went with him. He spent much of the rest of his life traveling around Europe with his various patrons.

Rabelais’ Gargantua and Pantagruel were published over a number of years, starting in 1532. A complete edition came out in 1567, after Rabelais’ death. Rabelais’ third book, published in 1546, was condemned as heresy by the Sorbonne. Rabelais fled to Metz, where he gained fame as a physician. In 1552, after publication of his fourth book, he went to Paris, where he died the next year, probably on April 9.