Shakespeare and Company

Overview

Nestled on the Left Bank of Paris, within the historic and intellectual heart of the Latin Quarter, lies the enchanting English-language bookstore, Shakespeare and Company. More than just a place to buy books, this iconic establishment is a living literary institution, celebrated for its unique character and deep connection to generations of writers and readers. Overlooking the Seine and mere steps from Notre-Dame Cathedral, it offers a timeless escape into a world brimming with stories and history.

The bookstore, with its distinctive green facade, serves as a cultural bridge, fostering Anglo-American literary culture in the French capital. Its labyrinthine interior, filled with towering bookshelves, hidden nooks, and well-worn armchairs, invites visitors to linger, browse, and immerse themselves in a uniquely Parisian literary experience.

History & Cultural Background

The story of Shakespeare and Company is a tale of two bookstores, each profoundly impacting the literary landscape of Paris. The original Shakespeare and Company was founded in 1919 by American expat Sylvia Beach at 12 rue de l'Odéon. This legendary lending library and bookshop became a vital hub for the 'Lost Generation' of writers, hosting literary giants such as Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, Gertrude Stein, and F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Sylvia Beach famously published James Joyce's 'Ulysses' in 1922 when other publishers deemed it too controversial. The original shop was forced to close in 1941 during the German occupation of Paris.

A decade later, in 1951, another American, George Whitman, opened an English-language bookstore called 'Le Mistral' at its current location, 37 rue de la Bûcherie, in a 16th-century monastery building. In 1964, on the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare's birth, Whitman renamed his shop Shakespeare and Company, honoring both the Bard and Sylvia Beach's legacy. He envisioned his bookstore as a 'socialist utopia masquerading as a bookstore,' continuing the tradition of nurturing literary talent and providing a sanctuary for writers.

What Makes It Special

What truly sets Shakespeare and Company apart is its vibrant, communal spirit. It functions not only as a bookshop but also as a free reading library and a cultural institution. The shop's charm lies in its deliberately unpolished, lived-in atmosphere, where every corner seems to hold a story.

A unique feature is the 'Tumbleweed' program, where aspiring writers and artists are offered a bed among the bookshelves in exchange for working a few hours a day at the shop, reading a book daily, and writing a one-page autobiography. This tradition has hosted over 30,000 guests since 1951, embodying the bookstore's philosophy of hospitality.

Adjacent to the main bookstore, a charming cafe, opened in 2015, offers specialty coffee and vegetarian-friendly fare, providing another inviting space for patrons to relax and read, often with picturesque views of Notre-Dame.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The store's enduring motto, 'Be Not Inhospitable to Strangers Lest They Be Angels in Disguise,' is prominently displayed above the entrance to the reading library, reflecting George Whitman's welcoming ethos. The bookstore has always attracted a diverse array of literary figures, from the Beat Generation writers like Allen Ginsberg and William S. Burroughs in the 1950s to contemporary authors who visit for readings and events.

Beyond its literary pedigree, the shop is full of delightful quirks. Visitors might discover a wishing well embedded in the floor, urging them to 'Feed the starving writers,' or find notes and scribbled thoughts left by other travelers tucked into bookshelves. A friendly resident cat often presides over the scene, adding to the cozy, familial atmosphere. Its distinctive look has made it a favorite backdrop for films, notably Richard Linklater's 'Before Sunset' and Woody Allen's 'Midnight in Paris.'

Visitor Perspective

Visiting Shakespeare and Company is an immersive experience that transports you beyond a typical retail space. As you step inside, the scent of old paper and the quiet rustle of pages create an immediate sense of intimacy. It's a place where you can easily lose track of time, browsing shelves that reach to the ceiling, discovering both new releases and antique treasures.

The spirit of literary community, born from Sylvia Beach's salon and sustained by George Whitman, is palpable. Whether you're a serious bibliophile, an aspiring writer, or simply a curious traveler, the bookstore offers a chance to connect with a unique piece of Parisian history. It's a destination where the love of books, shared stories, and the quiet magic of a truly independent establishment continue to thrive, providing a memorable counterpoint to the bustling Latin Quarter outside.