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But of course. I went again to the Book Market down in the 15eme, close to the metro stop, Portes de Vanves, on Line 13. Who could resist? Certainly not I ...
It took me forever. Of course, one pass is not sufficient to make a choice. I early determined that I was better served with yesterday's thought of Orwell if it were in English. So I wandered. These books are delicate creatures, their pages flimsy and browned, their owners hovering, like mid-wives. And each needed to be stroked. And the publishing details examined. The binding inspected. The internal pages sniffed.
Oh, yes. Do not forget the smell test when deciding to purchase a book.
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And constantly being way-laid, I was. By the buyers and the sellers. Encased in their turned-sod beauty. And the signs: Achat et Vendre; Sarko is a this, and Sarko is a that.
The blackbirds singing in the Plane trees hanging o'er. The pesky french mutts demanding to be heard. Aroma de stale-food wafting from behind a stall here, and eau-de-tabac assaulting the senses from over there.
Until my decision it was reached. The bargaining began, the prices came down. I had done it. Three illustrated books from early in the twentieth century just right for little girls. Now THAT will surprise you!
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To use your words these "turned-sod beauties" hold such promise.
ReplyDeleteMais oui, ma chere amie, c'etait une grande idee! I'm glad you went back, and I'm glad you found something to buy - and not enough to weigh down your luggage enough to involve you in a surcharge, I hope.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos, Julie. Your portraits are wonderful. The first and the last would make great gifts for the families of those people.
And the way you give an English phrase a French twist - c'etait parfait. You sound like Hercule Poirot. LOL
--K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
I love the second shot of the old books. I have a few in my cupboard from grandparents. They fascinate me and as you say ..the smell...
ReplyDeleteYou've captured a unique aspect of Paris in these shots. You've made me see old books in a new light. Merci!
ReplyDeleteFortunately you were so entranced with the books as to forget to use your camera. What a wonderful set of portraits you have captured here .. the lady at the bottom is perfect. And of course I am not surprised at you buying books for a little girl.
ReplyDeleteI would love to see your choices Julie. Love text to accompany these photos.
ReplyDeleteV
Enjoyed bring told this story through your photos and writing.
ReplyDeleteJoan - but yes, I did forget to use my camera, until I was departing and then it struck me. I took fewer than 50 shots for the entire day. Oh me, oh my ....
ReplyDeleteVirginia - one of the books is subject of a story on my Plumbing blog, but I do not think you visit there.
Smelling books is essential. I always rejoice when meeting someone else who smells books, both new and used. I simply won't buy a book that smells wrong. Smell is as important as the font or the typeof paper.
ReplyDeleteOh what a marvellous group of photos. My favorite and normally I'd not be able to resist your people shots, is of the books all in a row. Just delicious. Good for you purchasing some books - I'd not be able to as it would curtail my photography thereafter with the extra weight of the books. What a good time you are having in Paris...
ReplyDeleteJulie, I knew that you would return for books and you did not disappoint. You returned for books and people and the interraction of a passing acquaintance... love it!
ReplyDeleteBises,
G
The guy with the pipe is perfect.
ReplyDeleteI love that shot of the stack of books! I miss real books and rummaging through book markets as I've lately been reading ebooks as they are easier to get hold of in English language.
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