Origins & Early Life

Pierre Claude François Daunou (French pronunciation: [pjɛʁ klod fʁɑ̃swa donu]; 18 August 1761 – 20 June 1840) was a French statesman of the French Revolution and Empire. An author and historian, he served as the nation's archivist under both the Empire and the Restoration, contributed a volume to the Histoire littéraire de la France, and published more than twenty volumes of lectures he delivered when he held the chair of history and ethics at the Collège de France. He was born at Boulogne-sur-Mer. After studying at the school the Oratorians operates there, he joined the order in Paris in 1777.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He was professor in various seminaries from 1780 to 1787, when he was ordained a priest. He had by then published essays and poems that established his reputation in literary circles. With the onset of the French Revolution, he supported the Civil Constitution of the Clergy; a proffered appointment to a high Catholic Church office failed to induce him to alter his position. Elected to the National Convention by the Pas-de-Calais département, he associated himself with the moderate Girondists and strongly opposed the death sentence imposed on King Louis XVI. Daunou took little...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Marie Tussaud — Contemporary (Born in 1761) (1761): Pioneering French artist and founder of the world-renowned wax museum.
• Sai On — Contemporary (Died in 1761) (1761): Prominent scholar-bureaucrat of the Ryūkyū Kingdom, known for significant administrative reforms.
• Samuel Richardson — Contemporary (Died in 1761) (1761): Pioneering English novelist and printer, celebrated for his epistolary masterpieces.
• Alfred Thayer Mahan — Contemporary (Born in 1840) (1840): Pioneering theorist of sea power, shaping global naval strategy for over a century.
• Auguste Rodin — Contemporary (Born in 1840) (1840): Founder of modern sculpture, celebrated for naturalism and emotional depth.
• Carl Menger — Contemporary (Born in 1840) (1840): Founder of the Austrian School of Economics and proponent of subjective value theory.
• Alain Delon — Shared historical date (08-18 · Died) (2024): Iconic French actor, producer, and cinematic leading man of the 20th century.
• Antonio Salieri — Shared historical date (08-18 · Born) (1750): Pivotal Italian composer and teacher of the late 18th-century classical opera.
• Adam Ferguson — Shared historical date (06-20 · Born) (1723): Scottish philosopher, historian, and 'father of modern sociology'.
• Amos Tutuola — Shared historical date (06-20 · Born) (1920): Pioneering Nigerian author blending Yoruba folklore with modern literary forms.
• 1761 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1761
• August 18 (08-18) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on August 18
• 1840 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1840
• June 20 (06-20) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on June 20