It has not been possible to identify the anonymous author. The only historical fact cited in the work is the expulsion of the Jews from France in the 14th century. Since Orhot Zaddikim follows the teachings of the Hasidei Ashkenaz in many ways, it is possible that the author did not identify himself in keeping with the admonishment of Judah ben Samuel he-Hasid of Regensburg in Sefer Hasidim (also published anonymously) for writers to not identify their work so that their descendants might not pride themselves with the accomplishments of their fathers.