“Anthologie de Nouvelles Irlandaises Contemporaines — Version bilingue” translations by Marc Le Boucher (Editions Rive Droite, Paris)
More than a dozen of the world’s most renowned contemporary Irish short-story writers have been assembled in this handsome, bi-lingual edition. As it’s meant to introduce these authors to the French public, this anthology comes with a brief if dense introduction — worthy of a university lecture on Irish literature — which is an added bonus. For English-language readers, it constitutes a convenient compilation of some of Ireland’s leading lights, and provides a broad swath through their prevalent themes, where politics and the personal are often intertwined. MH
Buying a Home in France by David Hampshire (Survival Books)
Essential reading for anyone planning to buy a home in France, this Survival Book explores the purchasing process, giving prospective property buyers information designed to help them avoid the kind of disasters that can turn dream homes into nightmares. Includes a vast array of data on such topics as renting property, insurance, mortgages and taxation. BR
“La traductière N°21 — Miroirs et frontières/Reflections and Borders” introduced by Jacques Rancourt Boucher (Revue franco-anglaise de poésie, Paris)
The challenges that a translator of poetry comes up against are only one step (the actual inspiration) removed from a poet’s challenges. La traductière focuses on translation, considering it as an initial goal that’s also an excellent way of penetrating the distinct levels of meaning underlying all kinds of poems: a poetic endeavor in its own right. But, the strength of La traductière remains its ability to go beyond an already difficult undertaking... exploring, analysing and then bringing to light, via a variety of essays and translations, the well-nigh innumerable considerations, the twisting paths of intent and language, involved in the process of conveying a given poem in another language. In approximate terms, this entails “merging” two distinct cultures via an absolute and intimate approach to understanding. No mean task. Yet, an admirable one. MH
“Paris et la Photographie” by Virginie Chardin (Parigramme)
This book is for anyone who has ever looked at the work of such renowned French photographers as Atget or Bresson, and wondered about the anecdotes behind them. For example, we learn the incredible story of Robert Doisneau’s “Le baiser de l’Hôtel de Ville.” When the photo became world famous, hundreds of people claimed to be the lovers pictured in it. One couple went so far as to sue Doisneau for a share of the royalties, forcing him to admit that his legendary “street smooch” shot was actually set up using paid models. With 100 pictures and accompanying stories (in French), this book proffers a fascinating insider look at the world of French photography. BR
M.A.D. (Pyramid)
Part of a bilingual series featuring cutting-edge French graphic artists and designers. This mini monograph spotlights the innovative work of Franco-American graphics duo Erik Adigard and Patricia McShane who founded M.A.D. in 1988 after graduating from the California College of Arts & Crafts. M.A.D’s digital designs for legendary Web culture magazine “Wired” influenced an entire generation, helping to define the way new millennium print magazines represent the pixel world. BR
StyleCity Paris (Thames & Hudson)
A good intro for Paris neophytes. With practical info and insightful texts, this colorfully-photographed guide paints an appealing portrait of the world capital of style. From offbeat cafés and on-the-pulse restaurants to highly specialized boutiques and intriguing neighborhoods. BR
“We are everywhere, the irresistible rise of global anticapitalism” edited by Notes From Nowhere (Verso)
A look at current waves of protest against global capitalism... Be warned, this book doesn’t speak like the New York Times, but in the language of the streets. It attempts to tell the history of a movement with no name, no manifesto and no leaders. Just as there is no single banner to march behind, no little red book, and no doctrine to adhere to, so there is no single narrative here. Based on a series of colliding stories and subjectivities, this publication features some 50 voices ranging from London street reclaimers to Brazilian land squatters and GM-crop burning Indian peasants. Packed with texts and interviews, it falls somewhere between “activists anthology” and “direct action” manual. BR
Reviews by Marc Heberden and Bob Roberts
