This historical work examines the evolution of the clerk or registrar profession in France from ancient times through the modern era. Jean Bailly traces how these public officials and ministerial officers of the old regime experienced varying fortunes—from noble and wealthy positions to impoverished and dependent roles reliant on emolument fees. The author presents a clear and concise account of how clerks navigated their changing social status and eventually came to desire bureaucratization. Drawing on historical evidence, the book explores the diverse functions and responsibilities of clerks across different centuries, offering insight into their role in French administrative and legal systems.

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