New book series focuses on history
Félin editions is launching a new book series called Éclairage, which aims to share historical knowledge in a short and easy-to-read format while maintaining scientific accuracy. The series is designed to appeal to readers who are interested in history but may feel overwhelmed by longer, more complex works.First book explores the Middle Ages
The first book in the Éclairage series, Éclairage sur le Moyen Âge, was published on October 16 and is written by historian Laurent Decaux. It presents the Middle Ages as a more complex and dynamic period than commonly believed, highlighting figures like surgeons, learned women, and doctors who faced the plague.Series adapts to modern reading habits
The idea for Éclairage came from a realization that people spend more time on their phones than on books. Stéphane Goulhot, the editorial director of Félin editions, wanted to create a book that fits into this trend by offering a more flexible and engaging reading experience.Innovative format and design
Each book in the series is structured around autonomous chapters of 10 to 15 pages, allowing readers to explore history through anecdotes. The books can be read in either direction, with a head-to-tail pagination. Instead of a traditional table of contents, they feature a "Read Map" that offers different thematic paths for readers to choose from.Unique visual elements
The title of each book is printed in phosphorescent ink on the cover, a design choice meant to "fight against the light of phones." This visual element reinforces the series' goal of encouraging readers to turn off their screens and engage more deeply with history.Future plans for the series
Félin editions plans to release two new books in the Éclairage series first, with the goal of publishing four titles per year. The series will cover various historical periods and themes, such as death, the Vikings, and witches, aiming to attract new audiences and renew the publisher's editorial offerings.
