Didot, the name of a French family of printers. The firm, now existing under the name of Firmin Didot freres, was established in 1713 by Francois Didot, who made himself known by several important publications, and gained such popularity as to be appointed syndic of the booksellers' corporation. His two sons, FRANCOISAmbroise (1730-1804) and Pierre Francois (1732-'95), increased the business, and paid especial attention to the printing department. While the latter established paper mills at Essonne, near Paris, the former materially improved the casting of types, the best specimens of which ever seen in France were from his foundery; and his standard editions were admired for their correctness and beauty. The Collection d' Artois (64 vols. 18mo), and the Collection des classiques francais, printed at once in 4to, 8vo, and 18mo, by order of Louis XVI., are still highly valued. Among the sons of Pierre, Henri, a type founder, is known for the microscopical types with which he printed some little volumes which are esteemed as gems of their kind; and Saint-Leger engaged in the manufacture of paper.

The sons of Francois Ambroise, Pierre (1760-1853) and Firmin (1764-1836), who succeeded their father at the beginning of the revolution, added to the good name of the firm by publishing magnificent folio editions of classic French and Latin writers, known as editions du Louvre. Firmin also aimed to furnish the general reader with cheap and correct editions. He invented, or more correctly revived the stereotype process, which he brought at once to comparative perfection. He translated Virgil's "Bucolics" and Theocritus's "Idyls." He was elected in 1827 to the chamber of deputies. His sons, Ambroise Firmin, born in 1790, and Hya-cinthe, born in 1794, succeeded him in the management of the firm. Among their notable publications are: Monuments de l'Egypte et de la Nubie, by Champollion the younger; Voyage de Jacquemont dans l'Inde ; Expedition sci-entifique des Frangais en Moree ; the Thesaurus Linguoe Groecoe of Henry Stephens, with annotations and additions by the best French and German scholars; a complete Bibliotheque des auteurs grecs, a very cheap and correct edition of the Greek writers, with copious notes and Latin translations.

Their editions of the French classics are numerous and valuable; while their extensive popular publications, such as V Uni-vers pittoresque, L'Encyclopedie moderne, and La nouvelle biographie generale (completed in 1866), are remarkable for cheapness and general accuracy. The two heads of the firm are now aided by their sons Alfred (born in 1828) and Paul (born in 1826).