Thomas Corneille
A playwright who stepped out of his famous brother's shadow to become a meticulous chronicler of the French language.
1625–1709 (age 84)·French lexicographer and dramatist·Birthday: August 20
Biography
Born in Rouen, Thomas Corneille lived his life in the long shadow of his older brother, the titan of French theatre Pierre Corneille. Yet Thomas carved his own significant path, first on the stage with successful plays like 'Timocrate,' which enjoyed a spectacular run in 1656. His later pivot was perhaps more enduring: he dedicated decades to lexicography, laboring on the monumental 'Dictionnaire des Arts et des Sciences.' This work, a supplement to the dictionary of the French Academy, showcased his encyclopedic mind, cataloging the evolving language and the scientific and artistic knowledge of the late 17th century. While less fiery than his brother's dramas, Thomas's legacy is one of scholarly patience, providing a crucial snapshot of French intellectual life during the reign of Louis XIV.
#1 When Thomas Was Born
The biggest hits of 1625
Thomas's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1625Born
1630Started school
1638Became a teenager
1641Could drive
1643Could vote
1646Turned 21
1655Turned 30
1665Turned 40
1675Turned 50
1685Turned 60
1695Turned 70
1705Turned 80
1709Died at 84
Key Achievements
- Wrote the play 'Timocrate,' which achieved an unprecedented 80-performance run in Paris in 1656.
- Elected to the Académie Française in 1685, filling the seat left vacant by his brother Pierre's death.
- Authored the comprehensive 'Dictionnaire des Arts et des Sciences,' a major supplement to the French Academy's dictionary.
- Successfully adapted several plays from Spanish sources, introducing new narratives to the French stage.
Did You Know?
He was known as 'Corneille de l'Isle' to distinguish him from his more famous brother.
His play 'Ariane' was a favorite of Queen Marie-Thérèse, the wife of Louis XIV.
He took over writing the 'Mercure Galant' periodical after the death of its founder, Jean Donneau de Visé.
“A dictionary is a history book, written in definitions.”
