Nevers-1, January 31, 1602 - † Nevers-1, May 18, 1662.
Known as Master Adam and nicknamed "le Virgil de rabot," he is considered one of the first working-class poets. In the first half of his life, Adam Billaut was a master carpenter in Nevers, according to the notarial deeds of the municipality. He then wrote poetry that is locally known. In the late 1630s, he addressed two poems to Cardinal Richelieu. In 1644, the collection "Les Chevilles de Maître Adam" appeared in Paris, comprising more than 400 pages. The book is introduced by Michel de Marolles and contains an "Approbation du Parnasse", dozens of poems addressed to Billaut by other poets, some of which are among the most famous of the time. These texts illustrate the difference between Billaut's social and professional environment and his literary work. Billaut then becomes a sergeant in the ducal counting chamber of Nevers, which he remains until his death.
