The first two volumes offer neither addresses nor itineraries. Instead, they string together independent ideas, in no apparent order, which address both historical facts and local curiosities. The principle consists of mixing these elements to bring out an overall image, without going through a linear story.
This construction is based on a discontinuous reading. The reader can open the book at any page, move from one subject to another and browse the contents without any imposed progression. The format is short with 128 pages.
Maps, diagrams, lists and illustrations structure the pages and contribute to the world of the books. The artistic direction is by Pauline Guiraud, while the drawings are created by Romain Cavart, an illustrator working under the name Marcelsinge.
Books built around fragments
Each work brings together nearly 200 entries. The topics covered do not follow a strict thematic logic: numerical data can rub shoulders with a cultural anecdote or a historical reference.
The editor summarizes this approach in these terms: “ We wanted to rehabilitate an epicurean and living curiosity: this tiny knowledge which, put end to end, tells much more than an encyclopedia or a traditional travel guide. These are books to pick at, but which leave a lasting imprint. »
Tourist guides are often built around practical recommendations. Here, the emphasis is placed on information which is not of immediate use, but which contributes to a form of “diffuse” knowledge of the territories.
Brittany and Basque Country to open the collection
The first title is dedicated to Brittany. Written by Marie Duval-Kérivel, it is based on a series of questions and data which approach the region from varied, sometimes unexpected angles. The book combines cultural, historical information and more anecdotal elements, without a displayed hierarchy.
READ – Jonglez editions distinguished for their unusual travel guides
The second volume, by Thomas Lévy, adopts the same principle for the Basque Country. There are elements ranging from Espelette pepper to Basque pelota, presented in the form of short notices. Here again, the objective is not to propose an itinerary but to bring together scattered information.
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By Dépêche
Contact : depeche@actualitte.com
