Claude Fleury, abbe, a French ecclesiastical writer, born in Paris, Dec. 6, 1640, died July 14,1723. For nine years he followed the legal profession, giving much attention to literary and historical pursuits. In 1672, having received orders, he became preceptor to the sons of the prince de Conti. In 1674 he published L'Histoire du droit francais; in 1678, a Latin translation of Bossuet's Exposition de la foi catholique; from 1681 to 1683, Les moeurs des Israelites, Les moeurs des Chretiens, and Le grand, catechisme historique, three excellent little books which he had prepared for the use of his pupils; and in 1687, L' Institution du droit ecclesiastique. In 1685 he accompanied Fenelon to Saintonge, and in 1689 Fenelon procured his appointment as his assistant in the education of the dauphin's son. In this employment he remained 16 years, during which he was also engaged on his Histoire ecclesiastique, the first volume of which appeared in 1691. He spent 30 years in bringing this work down to the beginning of the 16th century.

It ranks among the most candid histories of Christianity.