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Isn't now, at this pivotal moment of the year, the best time to give gifts… to give yourself a gift too, a book for example?
A bookstore, Ali Baba's cave of treasures par excellence, a labyrinth from which we don't know how to get out, and what treasures, especially since we never know which book to choose, so you know as much as I do, we go in for one title and we go out with another, and when it comes to a coffee table book then we are dizzy! Will he like it, will it be to his taste, doesn't she already have it in his library, did I make the right choice?
Do you want me to give you some advice, yes I know you perhaps know this old Neapolitan proverb, the one that a wonderful literature teacher taught me in fifth grade,1 «Don't give me advice, I can make mistakes on my own! “, I adore !
A book, a very beautiful book for a gift? Allow me to serve as a guide for you. A publishing house with remarkable editorial choices, the Diane de Selliers editions. Each book, each theme (as much as each artist presented), is a moment of happiness. A happiness that is both sensual and intellectual, let me explain.
The latest book published (a bit like croissants or hot bread whose smell we smell before even entering the bakery) is entitled Kaïdaraa story of Amadou Hampâté Bâ, illustrated by Omar Ba.
You must first extract the book from its case, from its box, so you must slide it carefully. Then comes this unique moment, we open the book, a smell of paper, you know that of the wood from which the frames of castles and cathedrals are made, a smell mixed with that of inks, then immediately, leafing through it, the eyes catch the colors , the arrangement of the texts, everything is refined, luxury, calm and pleasure… Do not see any sycophancy there, this publishing house, through its editorial choices and its work to highlight the texts, is the flagship of French bookselling.
Kaïdara is a story, a rhythmic story, a journey, that of life, that of Africa, a story of men, lands, sun and animals, written by Amadou Hampâté Bâ, a Malian writer born in Bandiagara (Mali) and died on May 15, 1991 in Abidjan (Ivory Coast). A gentle and often lyrical look, an odyssey similar to that of ancient heroes, their Greek, Mesopotamian or Indian brothers. A bit of La Fontaine too when the fabulist makes the beasts speak. Abundant notes follow the text on the symbols of the rites and the traditions of Fulani society.
A book therefore which brings pleasure, and it is not a question of reading it in one go, of course not, but of taking the time to taste it and come back to it, or if you prefer, a bit like these truffles chocolate that I made for my friends and that we will take during these times of the Festival of Lights, the time to share. Yes, giving time to time, savoring, loving, reading slowly, our luxury. The complicit gaze carried away by the large format illustrations of Omar Ba. A few years ago, Parisians were able to see an exhibition dedicated to the Louis Vuitton Foundation.
Some present (rightly) volumes of La Pléiade prominently displayed in their libraries, and Diane de Selliers editions among the beautiful books, then yes, it is the heart of the world, distinction, beauty and pleasure!
Kaïdara
Amadou Hampâté Bâ
Omar Ba for the illustrations
Diane de Selliers editions. 230€
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