Jean Birel, prior general of the Carthusian order (1346–1360), is now remembered for the most part as an unsuccessful candidate for the papal throne in December 1352, following the death of Clement VI. From the early history of the order by Petrus Dorlandus (1454–1507) to the most recent biographical articles, this remains his chief claim to fame. The story of his candidacy can be found, however, in only one source, an anonymous history of the Carthusian order upon which Dorlandus and later writers have relied.