SubscribeThe Select Crowd
A new book explores the history of Le Select, one of Montparnasse’s most prominent artistic cafés and a regular hangout for Henry Miller in the 1930’s.
Paris Café: The Select Crowd is written by Noël Riley Fitch, author of Anaïs: The Erotic Life of Anaïs Nin and the seminal book on Sylvia Beach and Shakespeare and Co. Her Walks in Hemingway’s Paris and Literary Cafés of Paris were inspirations for this blog.
The book is illustrated by longtime Select regular and MAD Magazine artist Rick Tulka.
CBS News recently broadcast a video segment on Tulka and Le Select which features Tulka’s caricatures as well as the patrons, staff and history of Le Select, and delves into the current state of café culture in Paris—definitely worth a look.
I haven’t read the book myself yet, but I have spent many pleasant hours at the Select. The look and atmosphere of the place suggests it hasn’t changed much since Miller was a regular in the 30’s—it’s one cultural landmark that hasn’t succumbed to being simply a tourist destination. The Select’s is graced by a friendly staff (and cat) and its patronage is still made up primarily of regulars.
For more information on Paris Café: The Select Crowd check out the publisher’s page for the book. The Kirkus Review called it “A tribute so pleasant and persuasive that swarming tourists may make it difficult for Fitch and Tulka to find a table.” You can read the full Kirkus Review article on Fitch’s website. I’ve written about Le Select previously as part of our Montparnasse walk.
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| Noël Riley Fitch and Rick Tulka at Le Select — Drawings by Rick Tulka | ||
