Tuesday, May 17, 2011

french books

While in Paris, I couldn't resist buying a few books. A little bookshop near my hotel was selling old french pulp novels for 0.20 euro! I found a copy of an old Anais Nin edition (she's one of my favorites) and "la communale," which has the cutest cover and science/math diagrams scattered throughout the pages.
 I also found a Polish bookshop called Librairie Polonaise A Paris, on the corner of Rue de Seine and St. Germaine Blvd. This was exciting because I am nearly half Polish, and my grandfather can speak and read Polish. I got a book of poems for children that has THE most beautiful illustrations (pictured above and in the two photos below): "Brzechwa Dzieciom" illustrated by Jan Marcin Szancer (the above illustration is an amazing self portrait of him).
 Anais in her native language 
 "la communale" by Jean L'Hote
a cute Polish children's book, "Parvel i Garvel" by Aleksander Fredro, published by Dwie Siostry. This illustrator had a series of cute little books written by different authors. 
I love my French books! It was hard to shove them all into my tightly packed suitcase but I managed. It was worth it. :) 
I hope you're all having a beautiful week!
xoxo
Amanda

5 comments:

Ivy Black said...

It ceratinly was, they're stunning! I love vintage French childrens books in particular, the illustrations are always stunning.
Glad you had a wonderful time and look forward to more posts about your trip.xxx

Amanda Laurel Atkins said...

Thank you, Ivy!! I agree - french children's book definitely have some of the best illustrations.

A Painted Journey said...

I just love your books, honey! My absolute favorite is "Brzechwa Dzieciom" illustrated by Jan Marcin Szancer. I could just crawl into those pages and live happily ever after! Can't wait for future Europe posts!... Love, Mummy

b and e said...

Those books are gorgeous! Do you display any of these books - say open a page to beautiful illustrations and display that? They would look so lovely! Nice taste.

bellaxx

Amanda Laurel Atkins said...

Thanks, Bella!! I would love to display them open to a page if I can find the room to do it! (I only have my bedroom in this apartment, haha!)