New literary project launched

A new literary project titled Three Against You has been launched, blending romance, court intrigue, and a critique of a society where power shifts hands without ceasing to oppress. The novel, set in the London Social Season of 1815, follows Grace Beaumont, a stubborn lady, cricket player, and investigator determined to save her brother from the guillotine. The story explores an alternate history where one of Anne, Queen of Great Britain's seventeen children, survived away from the court, leading to a society where women rule England and men remain silent. The project is led by Elisa Skye and is being crowdfunded on Ulule.

Other literary projects in development

Other literary projects include The Revenge of the Mimosa, a first novel exploring family drama, romance, and resilience, led by Isalis Brouet; Prelude to Ragnarök and Chronicles of Ragnarök, Scandinavian mythology-themed books by Éditions Cavaliers Seuls; Psithurisme, a first novel by E.C. Desvignes; The Waiting Room of Life, a personal development book for young graduates by Marie Boquillon; Night and Day Red, an illustrated poetry collection by Coline Hezard; and La Cabane à Livres, a future bookstore in Meudon-la-Forêt led by Aurélie Fiani.

New publishing initiatives and releases

In the publishing industry, two former Amazon executives, Jeff Belle and Nicholas Denissen, have launched Macguffin Co., a studio that tests the commercial potential of stories still in development. Additionally, Numa Sadoul's Families in Boxes explores the links between major comic series, and Rock 'n' Roll Jungle returns with a second, more mature volume. The Battle of Mers el-Kébir is a comic detailing the 1940 naval conflict, while SLAVA IV continues a dark fantasy series inspired by Slavic folklore.

Publishing trends and legal developments

In France, Lagardère Publishing reported a 4% decline in sales in the French market but growth in international activities. The European Commission authorized Daniel Křetínský's acquisition of Fnac Darty, which could lead to the integration of one of the main French publishing groups with one of the country's leading book sellers. Meanwhile, the owner of Editis, Daniel Křetínský, is set to become the master of Fnac after the European Commission's approval.

Language and cultural policies

A proposed law to combat "globish" and promote French was introduced by Val-d'Oise deputy Aurélien Taché of La France insoumise. The law aims to defend and promote the use of the French language in public spaces. Additionally, a survey found that 69% of the French consider texts written by AI as not real literature, with 92% wanting any use of AI in writing to be indicated on book covers.

Cultural events and library developments

In the realm of cultural events, the National Central Library in Florence, which was damaged by a flood in 1966, reopens its spaces to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the disaster. In Switzerland, Orell Füssli Thalia acquired a paper mill founded in 1882. Meanwhile, in Canada, the Poetry in Transit program, which has been running since 1996, faces potential funding cuts. In Georgia, a reform requiring a common textbook for each subject and level of study has drawn criticism from publishers.

International developments and notable deaths

In the United States, members of a Florida school board will be held accountable for books removed from libraries, following a federal appellate court ruling. The UN has called on the book industry to advance equality between women and men, with a global commitment launched by UN Women and the International Publishers Association. In Bulgaria, manuscripts over a thousand years old were displayed for three hours at the National Library of Saints Cyril and Methodius.

Other notable events and statements

Other notable events include the death of Cem Akaş, a major figure in Turkish publishing; Antoine Spire, a voice of France Culture and former president of the French PEN Club; and Tetsuya Chiba, a Japanese manga artist. Additionally, J.K. Rowling accused "transgender activism of being elitist" in a new essay, and a proposed law to tax profits and support the book industry was discussed in the National Assembly.