The English-language bookstore Shakespeare and Company opened in Paris in 1916, serving as a hub for expatriate writers and a center for literary innovation. Founded by Nancy Woodbridge Beach, who adopted the name Sylvia, the shop at 8 rue Dupuytren provided a space for French and American readers to engage with contemporary works.
Foundations of a Literary Landmark
Born in 1887 in Baltimore to a Presbyterian minister, Beach moved frequently throughout her childhood between the United States and France. Her professional path shifted significantly after meeting Adrienne Monnier, the owner of La Maison des Amis des Livres. Inspired by Monnier's success, Beach leveraged her mother's savings to establish an English-language version of the store. The shop later moved to 12 rue de l'Odéon in 1921, positioning itself directly across from Monnier's establishment.
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In 1920, Beach encountered James Joyce, who struggled to secure a publisher for his manuscript. She took on the task of printing Ulysses in 1922, commissioning M. Maurice Darantière to produce the edition in Dijon. While the venture brought critical attention to the shop, it also resulted in significant debt. Years later, Joyce sold the publishing rights to Random House without providing financial compensation to Beach, leaving her in a precarious state.
Wartime Hardship and Survival
During the Nazi occupation of Paris, Beach faced persistent scrutiny from the Gestapo for aiding Jewish friends. Her bookstore closed permanently by the end of 1941, and she endured six months of internment at camps including Vittel. Following her release in 1942, she continued to support the French Resistance by sheltering downed airmen. She remained in France until her death in 1962.
Documentation and Legacy
In 1956, Beach published a memoir titled Shakespeare and Company, which recounted the cultural climate of Paris during the interwar period. The text detailed her interactions with various literary figures including Ernest Hemingway, Ezra Pound, and T. S. Eliot. In her final years, her contributions were recognized in 1959 during an exhibition at the United States Embassy in Paris, which displayed personal letters and records of her publishing activities.
Fast facts
- Born: 1887, Baltimore
- Died: 1962, Paris
- Bookstore name: Shakespeare and Company
- Partner: Adrienne Monnier
- Notable publication: Ulysses (1922)
- Internment location: Vittel
- Burial site: Princeton Cemetery
- Language proficiency: English, French
Questions readers ask
Why did Beach close Shakespeare and Company?
The bookstore was forced to close at the end of 1941 due to the conditions of the Nazi invasion of Paris.
Did Joyce pay Beach for the rights to Ulysses?
No, Joyce sold the rights to Random House for $45,000 and did not share the proceeds with Beach, who had bankrolled the original printing.
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