It’s no longer a fashion, it’s an epidemic! Of these epidemics which we rejoice in… To believe that the incredible success of the saga Blackwater published in six episodes in spring 2022 by Monsieur Toussaint Louverture (more than a million copies sold) has given wings (or ideas) to many publishers, who draw on the public domain. The principle ? Publish classics (or forgotten hits) under a furiously vintage cover, and this, at a low price. If the bet was won with a virtual unknown, the American Michael McDowell (1950-1999), how can we fail with our sure values?
Starting with Eugène Sue (1804-1857), one of the most popular writers of the 19th century and master of the serial novel. Editions 10/18 took it upon themselves by republishing one of his legendary works, The Mysteries of Parisoriginally published in The Journal of Debates between June 1842 and October 1843. The pocket publisher has divided this great fresco on the people and the darkness of society of the time into four volumes (from 8.90 to 9.90 euros), and listed the publications of October to November, all under a black and gold embossed cover. Similar embossing technique for the four episodes (at 15 euros) of… Foundling Mysteries (1849), by the same Eugène Sue, published by Editions des Equateurs. This work, less famous than the previous one, already dealt with burning themes, unfortunately still relevant today, such as education and child protection, the condition of women and the brutality of social relations.
Another polished cover, with flaps and gilding, this time from Points editions, for The three Musketeers (12.90 euros) by Alexandre Dumas. Let’s change the format: Larousse has opted for a “collector” hardback edition (19.90 euros) of the Around the world in 80 days (1873) by Jules Verne. As for the Oak, he throws Twenty thousand leagues under sea (1870) in red and gold cardboard and with a gray edge, illustrated by de Neuville, a sort of facsimile of the work published by Hertzel, the historical publisher of the “grantauteur”, in his collection “Extraordinary Voyages”.
We could also add to this already well-stocked list Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë (Larousse, 25 euros, hardback) just like at Pocket (10 euros); and, in the Points collection, Nice friendby Guy de Maupassant, Icelandic fisherman, by Pierre Loti or even The Devil in the body, by Raymond Radiguet. Enough to fill the already well-stocked “vintage” sections of bookstores and delight the most nostalgic oldies. Young people also love, it seems, all these retro or (and) luxurious editions. Not sure they read them – it looks chic in a library – but whatever. This is a very refreshing wave in our era of digital king.