About Jean Ballesdens
Lived 1595 – 1675 (aged 79–80). Jean Ballesdens was a French publisher, lawyer, writer and jurist.
Jean Ballesdens (1595 in Paris – 1675 in Paris) was a French lawyer, editor, and bibliophile, though he has left practically no writings. He is the first known collector of books with historic bindings.
Biography A lawyer to the parlement de Paris and secretary to chancellor Séguier, he was elected to the Académie française in 1648 - though he had renounced a place when it was first offered him, in favour of Pierre Corneille. He collected books and formed a library that was the rival of his master's in terms of numbers, choice and the editions' beauty. Notable books from it were the nine volumes in Grolier bindings.
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Jean Ballesdens?
French lawyer and bibliophile
When was Jean Ballesdens born?
Jean Ballesdens was born in 1595 in Paris.
When did Jean Ballesdens die?
Jean Ballesdens died on 27 October 1675 in Paris.
What was Jean Ballesdens's occupation?
Jean Ballesdens was a publisher, lawyer, writer and jurist.
What nationality was Jean Ballesdens?
Jean Ballesdens was French.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Jean Ballesdens. https://biography.guide/jean-ballesdens/
MLA: "Jean Ballesdens." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/jean-ballesdens/.
Chicago: "Jean Ballesdens." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/jean-ballesdens/.
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