at the Bordeaux Old Book Fair, treasures for all budgets

IIt doesn’t take long to take off your gloves to caress the bindings. But despite the itchy cold and numb fingers, book lovers met at Espace Mably this Saturday, January 18. Between the baroque Notre-Dame church and the glass dome of the Grands-Hommes, the site, which once housed the municipal library, welcomes 17 exhibitors from all over France on the occasion of the 18^e Old book fair. Organized by the association Friends of Ancient and Modern Books (Alam) and the National Union of Booksellers and Flea Marketers (SNBB), with the help of the City, the event continues this Sunday.

Among the visitors this Saturday, some wander around at random, with “the desire to be surprised,” like Cédric. And others go straight to the point with a very specific target in mind. With the second-hand booksellers in the courtyard and the antique book dealers in the chapter house, they are spoiled for choice.

“Open-air office”

Example with Franck Morant, who sells everything from 1 euro. And Antoine Fleury, who only sells original Jules Verne from 200 euros. The first has been a bookseller for thirty-three years in Bordeaux where he runs his “open-air office” on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays at Place Jean-Moulin; Thursdays and Friday at La Victoire. “People sometimes confuse us with garage sale unpackers. I have nothing against it, I’m the first to see what they have to sell. But we only live from our activity. It’s a difficult activity in terms of income, but the fact of loving books, of loving what you do, compensates for the ends of the month that are not always easy. »

Its stand is full of temptations for bibliophiles, with beautiful editions, and for bibliophages, with pockets at knockdown prices. “Without us, what would the kids who read endlessly do: these new books are worth 8 or 9 euros? » Although they sell treasures, second-hand booksellers do not make a fortune. And yet, the profession continues to attract. Alongside Franck Morant, Luc Martin explains that he took the plunge four years ago. “Previously, I worked in publishing. And I realized that office life no longer suited me and that what I preferred was contact at trade shows. So I had my midlife crisis to change my life. It’s difficult but I don’t regret anything,” confides the man who, at 50, is considered a “little young person” among second-hand book sellers.

“The fact of loving books, of loving what we do, compensates for the ends of the month that are not always easy”

Same passion but very different model in the chapter house. Coming from Chartres, Antoine Fleury sells Jules Verne, nothing but Jules Verne. The very name of his bookstore, Aux Deux Éléphants, is a tribute to the master of anticipation. “I was a collector before being a bookseller. And today, I think I have the largest stock in the world. » On his stand, only original Hetzel cartons with prices ranging from 200, 300 euros up to five-figure amounts. “There are some gems,” comments Jean-Bernard, pointing to a volume with an expert finger. “Everything that is not red is highly sought after,” explains Antoine Fleury, whose stand quickly transforms into an expert conference. “I like to say that I run a salon,” smiles the Chartrain man. He will do it again this Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. alongside the 16 other exhibitors.