After posting my review of The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George (isn't that fictional floating bookstore a book lover's dream?) how could I not follow up with photos of Paris's quaintest book store Shakespeare and Company. I love the history and character of this place and it was a highlight of my time in Paris.
The Story of Babar the little elephant is just one of the many books I purchased for my granddaughter, (and moi` lol) on my trip. I also wanted Madeline but it was out of stock ... next time.
"It’s a tradition in France to ink-stamp the title page of a new book with the bookseller’s hallmark. At Shakespeare and Company, the practice dates back to shop’s opening in 1951 and, before that, to Sylvia Beach’s bookstore on rue de l’Odéon. Elect to have your book inscribed with the official Shakespeare and Company stamp, and every time you open its pages, you’ll encounter a little reminder of its Parisian origins."
It's true ... each time I open Babar there's an extra special warm-fuzzy.
The intro by A.A Milne is sweet and funny and just perfect.
"... If you love elephants you will love Babar and Celeste. If you have never loved elephants you will love them now. If you who are a grown-up have never been fascinated by a picture-book before, then this is the one which will fascinate you. If you who are a child do not take these enchanting people to your heart; if you do not spend delightful hours making sure that no detail of their adventures has escaped you; then you deserve to wear gloves and be kept off wet grass for the rest of your life.
I can say no more. I salute Monsieur de Brunhoff. I am at his feet."
Do you have a favourite french-themed picture book?
I also love Shakespeare and Company's Message in a Bottle letterbox ... how magical to receive a note, poem or drawing tucked into the pages of the book you ordered ... from Paris to far flung book lovers across the globe. I wonder where my note ended up??
Paris in July hosted by Tamara @ Thyme for Tea
Also linking up with Paulita's Dreaming of France meme over at
Oh Sheree these photos are gorgeous and what a way to remember your visit. Love the idea of the 'message in a bottle' and the stamp. The cat reminds me of The Little Paris Bookshop! Have clicked on all the photos to take a close look. Amazing.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Kathryn, I could easily get lost in this adorable bookstore, grazing and soaking in the atmosphere. I can't wait to go back.
DeleteI always liked Babar as a kid :)
ReplyDeletewe get to play on the wet grass B ;)
DeleteWow wow wow ... what an amazing store!!!!! I would love to go there!! Loving the photos and what a great book you found!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI could have bought soooo many more Julie, if not for that nasty excess baggage lol
DeleteI've never actually visited Shakespeare & Co., though I do love the story of the place. And I definitely enjoyed the Babar stories when I was a kid. Great pictures and thanks for playing along with Dreaming of France.
ReplyDeleteMy boys loved Babar too so it's lovely to now share him with my granddaughter. Funnily enough my eldest son also loved Madeline lol
DeleteI've been to a Shakespeare & Co in New York that was modeled after this one and loved it so I can't imagine going to the real thing. How absolutely wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI didn't even know there was a Shakespeare & Co in New York ... how cool!
DeleteI love your pictures of this amazing bookstore! they look like mini-paintings. And thanks for reminding me about Babar; he's not part of my childhood but I made certain he was part of my son's. Lovely post!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Sim, Paris really is 'crack' for photographers. Babar wasn't part of my childhood either but he was very much a part of my sons' and now my granddaughter's. I've been a huge AA Milne fan since I was a child so the preface in Babar was extra special.
DeleteI loved Babar and had forgotten about that book. Ah...memories. And what a charming bookstore!
ReplyDeleteThis bookstore has appeared many times through the years here at Paris in July - and everytime some posts photos like yours (which are so appealing) we all either remember when, or wish when...... for me - I'm still wishing I can get there. Thank you for this post - bringing to our attention this bookstore with its own history, and a reminder of Babar... great stuff.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that Shakespeare and Company did the stamping in the front. Now I feel like I need to take another look at the books I bought there!
ReplyDeleteHere's my post: Repas Préférés in France.
The shop looks wonderful and I love Madeline too :) Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteRather incredibly I walked past Shakespeare and Co many times on several visits to Paris before I made the time to go in on my last visit. I had no idea that they stamped books either, and as my suitcase was full to bursting by the time I went I had to refrain from buying anything at all... Next time I'll have to make sure that I do so I can have a stamp memory too. I'm so jealous you got to meet Kitty, I missed out.
ReplyDeletehttp://astrongbeliefinwicker.blogspot.com.au/2014/10/parisian-cats.html
Great post and great photos, love Shakespeare and co a magic place. I visited with my daughter she bought a copy of Hemingway's A Moveable Feast there and had them stamp inside the cover, a perfect Paris souvenir. Madeline will always be my favourite picture book.
ReplyDeleteI've heard this bookstore is amazing. My sister went when she was in Paris this past spring and got me a Shakespeare & Co. book tote.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your pictures! That is cool that they stamp their books. I loved Babar as a child.
It has a long history as a home away from home for Anglophone writers in Psris. I would love to go there one day. Thanks for this post.
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