Le Guide de la femme

Paris: Migra, 1959-1962. Five issues of "Le Guide de la femme" (roughly, "Woman's Guide"), a mid-century Parisian periodical published with the patronage of French author, journalist, politician, and noted feminist, Louise Weiss. The periodical, not unlike similar publications of today found on wire racks at grocery checkout lines, was produced by and for France's modern Woman, "at the forefront of feminine progress," with articles on fashion, entertainment, leisure activities, cosmetology, film/television, music, astrology, and an emphasis on hairstyles. Housed in a large mailing envelope addressed to Maryse Martres at Cinedis.

Weiss (1893-1983) grew up wealthy in Alsace, her father an engineer and her Jewish mother was a member of the prolific Javal family. After training as a secondary school teacher (much to the chagrin of her parents), she received a degree from Oxford University, published the scarce "L'Europe nouvelle," subsequently committing herself to women's suffrage between the World Wars. Her works as a feminist was seen on a mass scale in the form of various periodicals, "Le Guide de la Femme" arguably the freshest and most forward in production design and output, advocating for strong women in public and private life. She also participated in campaigns for women's right to vote in France, organized suffragette events, like chaining herself to a street light in Paris. Always a prominent voice, Weiss became a Member of the European Parliament (MEP), its oldest member until her death at age 90. Weiss even has streets and schools named in her honor in France.

Little is documented on "Le Guide de la femme," and few (if any) are held by institutions and libraries. Photography by the likes of J. Stara (of Kraftwerk notoriety), Mario, Leonardo, and Jose Arturo, played a major role in the advertising and full-page glamour photographs throughout the periodical, as did fashion and beauty advertisements, short stories, and brief notes on contemporary film by Jany Casanova. Fantastic in aim and appearance.

Included are issues for December 1959 (Miss France 1959 cover photo), May 1960 (Japanese Mlle. Togo cover photo, interview), December 1960 (Farah Diba cover photo), February 1962 (Transat cover photo), May 1962 (Michele Wargnier cover photo).

All issues saddle-stapled in monochrome photo-illustrated wrappers, high-quality stock, 32 pages, later issues 24 pages. Near Fine overall (May 1960 Very Good Plus).

[Book #141323]