Back in Texas

Hello friends, I am finally back and will try to visit your blogs. which I have been neglecting on my trip.

One of the places I had on my list this trip,was the Shakespeare Company Bookstore. I have read about it for years, but on previous trips never got  there. This print hangs in my house.

So, I was happy that I took the time to finally stop by. I posted this when I was in Paris last week.

The first Shakespeare Bookstore was opened in 1919 by Sylvia Beach (from New Jersey). It was on rue d l' Odeon.and was a gathering place for Ernest Hemingway and his buddies. It was closed in 1940 by the Germans, (Beach was actually interred for two years by the Nazi's), and she never reopened.

Along came George Whitman (also from NJ), who opened a bookstore in 1951 that he named Mistral after his first French girlfriend. He later renamed the bookstore Shakespeare and Company (1964), as a tribute to Sylvia Beach. George was a very colorful character, who lived and died above the bookstore. I suggest you may want to google him.

Late in life George had a daughter, and named her Sylvia Beach Whitman. George died in his nineties in 2011 and his 35 yr old daughter now runs the bookstore.

I walked in and ask "Is Sylvia here?" The young cashier replied "she is in a meeting, but wait here, and I will get her" I quickly replied" No, she doesn't have an appointment with me. I don't even know her, but thanks anyway!" So, if you are ever in Paris be sure and stop by and say hello to Sylvia for me.

Those familiar with the Wallace Fountains will notice that there is one in front of the store.

Shakespeare and Company is located directly across the Seine river from Norte-Dame.(left bank)
The last photo is from the Internet