ESTIENNE COLLECTION
This Deltian Library collection is dedicated to the Estienne legacy—especially the remarkable works of Henri Estienne, whose scholarship and printing mastery defined the spirit of Renaissance humanism and elevated the typographical standards of the 16th century.
Though recently begun, the collection is guided by a strong thematic focus on classical philosophy, Roman letters, and Renaissance intellectual inquiry. Particular attention is given to authors such as Pliny the Younger, and to rarer philosophical works like the Paradossi of Ortensio Lando—texts that reflect the era’s engagement with reason, irony, and moral reflection. Preference is given to volumes in their original leather bindings or attractive rebounded ones, printed in Geneva or Paris.
Holding a 1579 Henri Estienne print of Pliny the Younger
Noli Altum Sapere (“do not be proud minded”) was the motto of the Estienne publishing house, especially Henri Estienne; it continues as “... as wisdom comes in restraint." ​​
Versions of the printer’s device used by the Estienne and Elzevier families often show a man standing beside an olive tree. This figure can be seen as St Paul, referencing Romans 11:20—“Be not high-minded, but fear” (Noli altum sapere, sed time).
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The tree often bears graft marks, those small circles with a cross (X); it is a botanical symbol of grafting, symbolising the cultivation of knowledge. Just as grafting joins new growth to an old rootstock, it reflects how Estienne sought to join new humanist learning to classical and scriptural tradition.
Henri Estienne (the Elder)
Began the family's printing tradition in Paris, working for the University of Paris. Disinherited in 1482 by his father Raimond d’Estienne, who gave the family inheritance to another son. Why? Henri chose the low-status profession of printer, which was then considered unworthy of nobility. Established the Estienne Press in 1502 in Paris—using the press of his wife’s deceased husband, Wolfgang Hopyl (or possibly Higman). After his death, his widow married Simon de Colines, a close associate, who took over the Estienne press until Robert came of age.
Robert Estienne
Son of Henri I. Trained under Simon de Colines, his stepfather. Took control of the Estienne press in 1526. Famous for printing Latin Bibles with numbered verses, which became the prototype for modern verse numbering. Engaged in religious controversy: his Protestant leanings led to conflict with the Sorbonne. Fled to Geneva in 1550, where he continued printing under Reformed patronage. Used the olive tree device with the motto noli altum sapere—a subtle critique of Catholic authority.
Charles Estienne
Robert’s younger brother, Charles was a physician, scholar, and printer who briefly took over the Paris press after Robert fled to Geneva. He made notable contributions to Renaissance anatomy through his illustrated De dissectione, and in 1543 translated Ortensio Lando’s satirical Paradossi into French, revealing his literary flair and engagement with Italian humanism. Though later imprisoned for debt, his scholarly range left a distinct imprint on the Estienne legacy.
Henri Estienne
Latinised as Henricus Stephanus, Robert’s son and the most distinguished of the dynasty. Known for the Thesaurus Graecae Linguae (1572), the first full Greek dictionary, which became a scholarly standard for centuries. Published Plato, Herodotus, Thucydides, Aulus Gellius, and other classical authors in editio princeps or corrected editions.
Brilliant but financially unstable—he struggled with the cost of large scholarly projects, often selling at a loss. Wrote biting anti-Catholic prefaces and satire (Apologie pour Hérodote), which offended authorities. Died in poverty after being imprisoned in Lyon.
