Whatever we say, whatever we do, in matters of bibliophily, the original edition of Les Fleurs du mal by Charles Baudelaire retains all its attractions. The history of its successive publications, the corrections caused or not by the trials, and a number of back and forths would constitute the equivalent of an annexed volume It all began in 1855, when the Revue des Deux Mondes published 18 poems under this title.

“Le Feu Follet”, a small eternal flame of the rare book, endowed with magical powers, has been illuminating the Boul'Mich for more than 20 years, a stone's throw from the Luco (the Luxembourg Gardens… and the Senate!). Located at 31 rue Henri Barbusse and 121 Boulevard Saint-Michel, the two establishments of the eponymous bookstore offer their benefits to lovers of old books, exceptional autograph letters, incunabula or even rare prints...

"I do not follow my path; it is my path that follows me." A true centerpiece for any library, the Hetzel Editions are renowned worldwide. To mark its acquisition of a stunning collection of beautifully preserved bindings, the bookstore invites you on an extraordinary journey through the magnificent illustrated editions of Jules Verne published by Hetzel. From timeless classics to the rarest titles, rediscover the lighthouses, elephants, rose bouquets, portraits, and cannonballs that adorn the finest publisher’s bindings of the 19th century.

"Six ideas to dream, grow your money, or spend wisely."

Soon will ILAB booksellers from all continents gather in Amsterdam for the 45th ILAB Congress. Three young booksellers were awarded scholarship.

A radio show designed and presented by Florence Berthout, Mayor of the 5th district, welcomes Sibylle Pandolfi, who will present the book “Le Bouquiniste Mendel” by Stefan Zweig published by Sillage.

While the foils take center stage at the Grand Palais, the Book Fair on the Carreau strikes back in another Temple, skillfully sidestepping with an elegant maneuver under a new glass canopy. For the occasion, La Librairie Le Feu Follet presents an extensive catalog, brimming with swords and capes, intriguing manuscripts, whimsical or graceful works, and much more... Autographs, limited editions, drawings, and photographs—guard to tip, with a flourish at the end.

“Denoël [My publisher], the three little dots didn't appeal to him. Frightened, he was. Reproving. We were leaving good tradition, repudiating all form: it was no longer attached to anything... Ah, this time, my publisher was no longer ensuring the novel's success! He had to absolve himself of any responsibility. To walk away from the gambling table...‘Dear Céline', he began, ‘I'm afraid you've made a mistake... Let's see, even for a man like you, there are limits, a measure to be kept!'His features were severe, his gaze perplexed, his voice anguished (but very dignified). Brave Denoël! ‘My good friend, I warn you. And then there was something else. These passages were too daring, really too daring! Of course, art has its rights, but still...' ”

Le Feu Follet has pieced together the extraordinary tale of the archives of the brilliant autodidact, which narrowly escaped destruction twenty times and whose final chapter has just been written at our bookstore.