Literature: 5 essays to explore history
The Jazz Odyssey
by Christmas Balen
A reference for lovers of the blue note, this history of jazz is in its ninth reissue, updated and expanded to include current artists. From the end of the 19th century to the present day, from African slaves to DJs, a novel is written, forged in suffering, freeing itself to triumph through song, play, and groove. Negro spirituals, gospel, blues, swing, bebop, vocalists, gypsy, soul, R'n'B, funk... the entire jazz galaxy is present. It can be explored by portraits or themes through 150 pages of documentation offering all the possible entry points to discover Bessie Smith, rediscover Louis Armstrong, prepare for a Dee Dee Bridgewater or Erik Truffaz concert, and savor music without borders.
History of Europe. Origins and Heritage. From Prehistory to the 5th Century (Volume 1)
under the direction of Violaine Sébillotte Cuchet
Benjamin Deruelle, a professor at the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), has assembled a brilliant team to write a monumental four-volume history of Europe, illustrated with 180 documents and 40 maps. These historians examine European civilization as a homogeneous whole. The first volume, which begins with the formation of the Old Continent and focuses on Antiquity, inaugurates a rich narrative. Attentive to Europe's multiple identities, its approach confronts current debates by opening up numerous avenues for reflection.
Queens and princesses in the time of the Capetians
by Gaëlle Audéon
Aelis of France, Ingeburge of Denmark, Berengaria of Navarre, Agnes of Merania… are unknown to us, although they reigned or were promised the throne between 1137 and 1227. Only Eleanor of Aquitaine and Blanche of Castile are part of the national narrative. Essayist Gaëlle Audéon does a useful job by recounting a furious and brutal century from the perspective of women. Marriage negotiations, sexual violence, imprisonment… the lives of these princesses make Game of Thrones look like a romantic comedy. Yet, the medievalist points out, many managed to assert their power, seal alliances, and govern fiefdoms.
Children in the Middle Ages. 12th - 15th century
by Didier Lett
Parental love and educational concern are not recent inventions, demonstrates Didier Lett, professor emeritus of medieval history at the University of Paris Cité, with supporting documents. "Medieval society experienced a strong 'feeling of childhood,'" explains the historian, without overlooking the misfortunes that struck the most vulnerable at the time. Far from being indifferent or resigned, families placed the unborn child under divine protection through prayer, caring for their health, the salvation of their soul if they died in infancy, their safety, and their education. The medievalist illustrates his point with testimonies describing emotional life in the Middle Ages and the fate of children in the year 1000 in a nuanced and fascinating way.
Josephine Baker. A legendary woman
by Bénédicte Vergez-Chaignon
This biography of Joséphine Baker (1906-1975) fulfills an educational mission. The dancer, singer, resistance fighter, and anti-racist activist, who entered the Panthéon on November 30, 2021, appears in all her facets, illustrated by splendid iconography. Ebony Venus, muse of the avant-garde from her first triumph in Paris in 1925, heroine of Free France, fervent supporter of Martin Luther King during the March on Washington in 1963, mother of a rainbow tribe of adopted children... An extraordinary destiny unfolds throughout the pages, highlighting the modernity of a free woman.
La Croıx
