Features of book publishing in France

Abstract

The article is devoted to the peculiarities of book publishing and book distribution in France, changes in the French book industry over the centuries and recently. The French book industry is studied. Book publishing (as a branch of the country's economy) appeared in France at the end of the 18th century, and in the five centuries of its existence book publishing has come a long way, developed and improved, adapted to new conditions and actively used all the achievements of technical progress. The nineteenth century was the golden age of French literature. The European world spoke French. In the twentieth century France's position faltered. The United States, Great Britain and Germany took the first place. Therefore, in France, great importance is attached to book publishing as a way to spread knowledge about France and the French language. The article analyzes the features of book publishing and book distribution in France before the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights some features and trends in the development of the French publishing industry during the pandemic restrictions. The spread of the virus to stop or significantly reduce book production in France. The exploration analyzes the changes that have taken place in the industry as a whole and in its individual parts. The ways of development of retail trade and internet-trade before and during the pandemic in France are investigated. The role and place of different book formats in the general system of book publishing in France, the advantages of a printed book, the place of an e-book and an audiobook in the value system of French readers are clarified.