Shakespeare and Company: Paris's Enduring Literary Haven

Shakespeare and Company, the iconic English-language bookstore nestled along the Seine, opposite Notre-Dame Cathedral, has been a beacon for literary enthusiasts for over seven decades.

 

Established in 1951 by George Whitman at 37 rue de la Bûcherie, the bookstore was initially named "Le Mistral."

 

In 1964, to honor the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare's birth and as a tribute to Sylvia Beach's original bookstore, Whitman renamed it Shakespeare and Company.

 

Beach's original store, founded in 1919 on rue de l'Odéon, was a sanctuary for literary giants like Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein, and James Joyce.

 

Whitman's vision transformed his bookstore into a haven for writers and artists.

 

Notable figures such as James Baldwin, Anaïs Nin, and Allen Ginsberg were among the early visitors.

 

Embracing a tradition of hospitality, Whitman invited aspiring writers to stay among the bookshelves in exchange for assisting in the store.

 

Over the years, more than 30,000 individuals, affectionately known as "Tumbleweeds," have found refuge within its walls.

 

Today, Whitman's daughter, Sylvia Whitman, along with her partner David Delannet, continues to uphold the bookstore's legacy.

 

They have introduced initiatives such as a café, a literary festival, a writing contest, and a publishing arm.

 

Regular literary events feature esteemed authors like Zadie Smith, Don DeLillo, and Colson Whitehead, with recordings available on the shop's podcast.

 

In recent years, Shakespeare and Company has faced challenges, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to an 80% decline in sales.

 

In response, the bookstore appealed to its global community for support, emphasizing the importance of online orders to sustain operations.

 

Despite these hurdles, the bookstore remains a vibrant part of Paris's literary scene.

 

In June 2024, it announced the relaunch of its literary journal, Paris Magazine, and the introduction of a biannual novella prize, further cementing its role in nurturing literary talent.

 

As George Whitman once described, the bookstore is "a novel in three words."

 

Today, this narrative continues to unfold, shaped by a dedicated team of booksellers and the countless individuals who read, write, and find solace within its storied walls.

 

Thank you for your unwavering support.