Gaguin, Robert

, a French historian, wa born at Colines, near Amiens; and Guicciardini, as Vossius observes, is mistaken in fixing his birth elsewhere. He had his education at Paris, where he took a doctor of laws degree; and the reputation of his abilities and learning became so great, that it advanced him to the favour of Charles VIII. and Louis XII. by whom he was employed in several embassies to England, Germany, and Italy. He was keeper of the royal library, and general of the order of the Trinitarians. He died in 1501, certainly not young; but we are not able to ascertain his age. He was the author of several works; the principal of which is, a History in eleven books, “De gestis Francorutn,” in folio, from 1200 to 1500. He has been accused of great partiality to his country; and Paul Jovius says, that he has not been very exact in relating the affairs of Italy. Erasmus, however, had a great value for him, as may be seen from one of his letters. Gaguin also translated the Chronicle of abp. Turpin, wrote a bad Roman History, and Epistles and Poems, some of which last are very indelicate. ²