Jacques

Jacques (French: [ʒak], Quebec French pronunciation : [ʒɑɔ̯k]) is the French equivalent of James, ultimately originating from the name Jacob.

Jacques is derived from the Late Latin Iacobus, from the Greek Ἰακώβος (Septuagintal Greek Ἰακώβ), from the Hebrew name Jacob יַעֲקֹב‎. (See Jacob.) James is derived from Iacomus, a variant of Iacobus.

As a first name, Jacques is often phonetically converted to English as Jacob, Jake (from Jacob), or Jack, but the last is not an accurate translation. (Jack, from Jankin, is strictly a diminutive of John.)

People with the surname Jacques

Jaques (As You Like It)

Jaques is one of the main characters in Shakespeare's As You Like It. The 'Melancholy Jaques' as he's always being called is one of Duke Senior's noblemen who lives with him in the Forest of Arden. The role has long been a favorite for famous Shakespearean actors.

Jaques' cynicism

Jaques' distinguishing characteristic is his unmitigated cynicism. He is the only purely contemplative character in Shakespeare. He thinks, and does nothing. His whole occupation is to amuse his mind, and he is totally regardless of his body and his fortunes. Hazlitt describes him as "the prince of philosophical idler; his only passion is thought; he sets no value upon anything but as it serves as food for reflection".

Role in the play

Jaques' role in the play is more of an observer than an actor. Early in the play, Jaques remains a mystery to the audience, being discussed extensively by fellow characters. Once he appears, Jaques' thematic importance and memorable presence in As You Like It is quite impressive.

Jacques (album)

Jacques is the fifth studio album by the British singer/songwriter Marc Almond. It was released in December 1989. The album is a tribute to the Belgian singer-songwriter Jacques Brel and was instigated by Almond's collaboration with Paul Buck, who adapted Brel's original non-English lyrics specifically for Almond.

The songs for the album were recorded at Milo Studios, London, over four years. Almond was accompanied both by his assembled band (comprising "La Magia" and "Willing Sinners" members Annie Hogan, Billy McGee and Steve Humphreys) and various studio musicians. The artwork and cover painting was designed and painted by Johnny Deux.

Track listing

All songs written and composed by Brel, Buck; except where indicated. 

Personnel