Cis H. (californiadreamin) reviewed on 5/7/2023 + 273 more book reviews

Informative and entertaining! Sylvia Beach opened Shakespeare and Co. bookstore on a side street in Paris in 1919. Picture the freedom citizens and tourists felt after the end of WWI. Her store became more than a store selling books and a lending library, it became a gathering place to many writers of the time where they discussed politics, books of writers around the world, philosophy, etc. James Joyce became Sylvia's project and dear friend. She ended up publishing his book Ulysses at great financial and personal cost.

The more surprising story is her relationship with fellow bookstore owner Adrianne Monnier. The books Author's Note is filled with more details that enlightened me of their life in Paris.
Thinking about the time frame leading up to WWII, the economy, threats from Hitler, banning of Ulysses in America, all very telling of the struggles they all endured.

If you're interest in seeing and reading actual receipts and library cards from Shakespeare and Company, Princeton University Library has carefully scanned and cataloged these wonderful artifacts. See them at: https://shakespeareandco.princeton.edu

This is a beautifully written book that I shall keep in my library.

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