Shakespeare & Co.

There is one place in Paris that I make sure that I visit everytime I am here. Opposite to Notre Dame across the river was built by Goeorge Whitman in early 50's while he was staying in Paris as a student of French language at Sorbonne. It was four years before that my friend Christian introduce me to this amazing place.

This is a readers paradise. A bed if you want to stretch!
More than the antique books or the vast collections this shop has, it's the ambience and the philosphy of the place that strikes you first. George while travelling extensively through Latin America was hosted and fed by total strangers through out his journey and was touched by the openness in which he was welcomed. It's the same philosphy that's still adorning the walls of the famous book shop.It reads, "Be not inhospitable to strangers, lest they be angels in disguise ".

The bookshop that's spread in two floors has couple of beds, reading chairs and tables for the avid reader to sink into the feeling of the place. The walls are history on itself, as its decorated by notes and letters and photos sent by George's fans from all over the world. For those who would like to get a feel of the place, there is a 360 degree virtual tour of the Shakespeare & Co bookshop here.

Paris © GP Mar 2008