The Franciscan Sisters Remember: Raymond Queneau, 20th-century encyclopaedist by Philippe Normand

A poet, novelist and co-founder of OuLiPo, Raymond Queneau (1903–1976) from Le Havre, best known for *Zazie dans le métro*, the song *Si tu t’imagines* and *Exercises in Style*, was also, from 1954 to 1975, the driving force behind the *Encyclopédie de la Pléiade*, the great encyclopaedia of the 20th century.

This publishing venture, spearheaded by Gallimard for 35 years, from 1956 to 1991, comprises 49 volumes, printed on bible paper. It brings together Roger Caillois, Jean Piaget, Jean Rostand, Roland Barthes and the leading scientific experts of the 20th century. Its success is reflected in numerous translations, including into Japanese and Serbo-Croatian. Some of its chapters have been republished in paperback (Gallimard’s ‘Idées’ collection).

Philippe Normand, a leading expert on the work of Raymond Queneau, discusses the origins of the Encyclopédie de la Pléiade, linking them to the life of the writer Raymond Queneau, his insatiable curiosity and his passion for sharing knowledge.

The talk will be followed by a book-signing.