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Mercure de France]
An influential French literary publishing house and magazine, refounded in 1894 as the mouthpiece of Symbolism and subsequently playing a central role in modern French literature.
Short Biography
The 'Mercure de France' has a long history dating back to 1672 (as 'Mercure Galant'), but it was refounded in 1894 by Alfred Vallette as a literary magazine and publishing house, closely associated with the Symbolist movement. The magazine published the key figures of Symbolism (like Mallarmé) and authors marking the transition to modern literature (including Alfred Jarry, who published his 'Ubu Roi' there). After 1900, the publishing house played a significant role in publishing modern French and foreign literature (Apollinaire, Valéry, Wells, among others). The publishing house was crucial for the dissemination of the literary ideas that formed the basis of later avant-garde movements. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious publishing houses in France and has been part of Éditions Gallimard since 1995.
Connection to the Book World
The 'Mercure de France' was an important publisher of texts that were illustrated by avant-garde artists, especially during the transitional period from Symbolism to Modernism. Notable is the publication of Alfred Jarry's texts, including 'Les Minutes de sable Mémorial' (1894) and 'César Antéchrist' (1895), which he illustrated himself with woodcuts in a primitive, almost Dadaist style. These early publications, edited by Mercure, show the publishing house's willingness to contribute to the birth of typographical and literary experimentation in French book design.
Founded and curated by [Curator Name], The Hidden Page reflects decades of research and passion for the printed avant-garde. With a background in art history and rare book conservation, [he/she/they] brings a scholarly yet accessible approach to each selection.
The platform aspires to bridge the gap between private collections, institutional research, and curious readers worldwide.
AUTHORS · AUTHORS
Rare Books, Living Legacies Rare Books, Living Legacies
We specialize in rare, illustrated editions from the avant-garde movements. Every book is accompanied by high-quality visuals, detailed reports, and scholarly context.
Paris | 1931 | Japon nacré
€360
AUTHORS · AUTHORS
Rare Books, Living Legacies Rare Books, Living Legacies
We specialize in rare, illustrated editions from the avant-garde movements. Every book is accompanied by high-quality visuals, detailed reports, and scholarly context.
Paris | 1931 | Japon nacré
€360
AUTHORS · AUTHORS
Rare Books, Living Legacies Rare Books, Living Legacies
We specialize in rare, illustrated editions from the avant-garde movements. Every book is accompanied by high-quality visuals, detailed reports, and scholarly context.
Paris | 1931 | Japon nacré
€360
AUTHORS · AUTHORS
Rare Books, Living Legacies Rare Books, Living Legacies
We specialize in rare, illustrated editions from the avant-garde movements. Every book is accompanied by high-quality visuals, detailed reports, and scholarly context.
Paris | 1931 | Japon nacré
€360
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