Les Nouvelles littéraires
October 1922 marked the birth of Les Nouvelles littéraires when Éditions Larousse launched the publication. The newspaper began as a dedicated space for literary and artistic content in France. An early issue from the 15th of May 1926 featured a drawing by Adrienne Monnier on page 187. This visual element signaled the magazine's commitment to blending text with art from its inception. The initial focus remained strictly on literature and the arts without broader scientific or cinematic scope.
André Gillon took over direction of the publication after an unnamed leader served from 1922 until 1936. His son Étienne Gillon subsequently assumed control following his father's tenure. René Minguet directed the magazine between 1971 and 1975 before Philippe Tesson took the helm from 1975 to 1983. Frédéric Lefèvre edited the paper continuously from 1922 until 1949. Gilbert Charles held the editor position starting in 1949 and continued through 1962. A final unnamed editor led the publication until it ceased operations in 1985.
World War II forced the newspaper to stop printing issues for five years beginning in 1940. Publication resumed only in 1945 as France emerged from occupation. The hiatus created a significant gap in the historical record of French literary criticism during that period. Editors worked to rebuild readership and contributor networks once the war ended. The return to print required reestablishing trust with both writers and subscribers who had waited years for new content.
The magazine shifted its editorial scope to include cinema reviews after initially focusing solely on literature. Scientific topics also entered the pages during the mid-20th century era. This broadening of interests reflected changing cultural priorities among French intellectuals. An appendix titled L'Art vivant appeared in 1924 to highlight living art forms. The inclusion of film and science marked a departure from the strict literary boundaries set at founding.
Raymond Woog contributed writings to the newspaper over several decades. Jean-Louis Ezine and Michel Field added their voices to the publication's roster. Jeanne Cressanges and Pierre Billard wrote articles that appeared in various issues. Pierrette Micheloud, Pascal Mérigeau, Maurice Féaudierre, and Madeleine Masson all contributed content. Maryse Choisy was another writer whose work appeared within the pages before 1985. These individuals helped shape the intellectual character of the magazine through their diverse perspectives.
Philippe Tesson led the publication from 1975 until 1983 during its final active years. The magazine officially disappeared in 1985 after more than six decades of operation. It had taken on a new title briefly before vanishing completely from print media. Archives of the publication remain available through IMEC and university collections today. A colloquium held at Université de Franche-Comté on the 17th of September 2010 examined the legacy of the newspaper.
Common questions
When did Les Nouvelles littéraires begin publication?
Les Nouvelles littéraires began publication in October 1922 when Éditions Larousse launched the newspaper. The first issue appeared as a dedicated space for literary and artistic content in France.
Who edited Les Nouvelles littéraires from 1922 until 1949?
Frédéric Lefèvre edited Les Nouvelles littéraires continuously from 1922 until 1949. Gilbert Charles held the editor position starting in 1949 and continued through 1962.
Why did Les Nouvelles littéraires stop printing issues during World War II?
World War II forced Les Nouvelles littéraires to stop printing issues for five years beginning in 1940. Publication resumed only in 1945 as France emerged from occupation.
What topics did Les Nouvelles littéraires cover after its initial focus on literature?
Les Nouvelles littéraires shifted its editorial scope to include cinema reviews after initially focusing solely on literature. Scientific topics also entered the pages during the mid-20th century era.
When did Les Nouvelles littéraires cease operations?
The magazine officially disappeared in 1985 after more than six decades of operation. A final unnamed editor led the publication until it ceased operations in 1985.