Le Vin de Paris

This collection of eight short stories is set entirely in Paris during the war years. All deal with themes linked to the German occupation: shortages, the black market, cowardice, communism, collaboration and crime. The Petiot affair inspired the first story, “L’Indifférent,” followed by “La Traversée de Paris,” “La Grâce,” “Le Vin de Paris,” “Dermuche,” “La Fosse aux péchés,” “Le Faux Policier” and “La Bonne Peinture.”

Three of these stories were adapted for television and film: “La Grâce,” “La Bonne Peinture,” and of course “La Traversée de Paris,” whose film version directed by Claude Autant-Lara became legendary. Louis de Funès made a notable debut in the role of Jambier, and Bourvil received the Best Actor award at the Venice Mostra, despite Aymé’s prior opposition: “I read in the newspapers that the leading actors of La Traversée de Paris were to be Gabin and Bourvil, and I thought it was a joke (…) You know as well as I do that Bourvil is completely wrong for the part, and I say nothing of his qualities as an actor. I understand that the aim now is to be ‘commercial’ at all costs and to turn the thing into a broad farce, but I do not even think that is a good calculation. Bourvil will be able to use all his usual tricks in the role of Martin. He will simply be insignificant. Needless to say, my name will not appear in the credits. Furthermore, I reserve the right to say in the press what I think of this little misadventure, of which you will be as much a victim as I am. I wish you courage in carrying out this task.” (Letter to Claude Autant-Lara, March 8, 1956).

From the library of Max-Philippe Delatte (presentation inscription and bookplate), a Parisian bookseller and publisher (1914–1989), also president of the Société Anatole-France.