Shakespeare and Company: A Cultural Icon in Paris
As an iconic bookstore in Paris, Shakespeare and Company has become a beloved destination for book lovers and tourists alike. However, the store is currently experiencing a significant downturn in business due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, the lockdown measures have impacted non-essential businesses across France, keeping bars, restaurants, and bookstores closed until 1 December.
Impact of the Pandemic on the Bookstore
Since March, Shakespeare and Company has reported an 80% drop in sales. The store, located on the Left Bank, traditionally attracts many visitors who enjoy exploring its cozy nooks filled with new and secondhand English-language books. Moreover, the bookstore is renowned for hosting readings by both emerging and well-known authors, making it a vibrant hub for literary enthusiasts.
The Legacy of Shakespeare and Company
Founded in 1951 by the late George Whitman, the store was originally named Le Mistral. It was later renamed Shakespeare and Company on the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s birth in April 1964. This change honored the original bookseller Sylvia Beach, who established the first bookstore of the same name in 1919. Beach’s shop was a renowned gathering place for great expatriate writers, including F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, T.S. Eliot, and James Joyce, as well as prominent French authors.
George Whitman aimed to continue Beach’s legacy and quickly made Shakespeare and Company a focal point for the expatriate literary community in Paris. Notable figures such as Allen Ginsberg, William Burroughs, Anaïs Nin, Richard Wright, and James Baldwin frequented the shop. Over the years, approximately 30,000 aspiring writers and artists, known as ‘Tumbleweeds,’ have found refuge in its inviting atmosphere, often exchanging their effort in aiding the store for a comfortable night’s sleep on its couches.
Support for Shakespeare and Company
Today, Shakespeare and Company is under the management of George’s daughter, Sylvia Whitman. In light of the current situation, the bookstore is reaching out to its supporters. Customers can contribute by purchasing tote bags, placing orders for books or gifts, and exploring the option of gift vouchers for future use. This initiative not only helps ensure the store’s survival but also allows fans to participate in its rich literary community.
