Definition
Jacques Schiffrin (1889 – 1950) was a Russian‑born French publisher, best known for founding the publishing house Éditions de la Pléiade, which later evolved into the renowned Bibliothèque de la Pléiade series of scholarly editions of literary classics.
Overview
Born in Moscow to a Jewish family, Schiffrin moved to France after the Russian Revolution. He pursued studies in literature and philosophy before entering the publishing world. In 1923, with the support of industrialist Auguste Dreyfus and writer Paul Léautaud, he created the Éditions de la Pléiade, a modest venture aimed at producing high‑quality, affordable editions of French and world literature.
Schiffrin’s editorial vision emphasized rigorous scholarly editing, uniform typographic design, and durable, cloth‑bound formats. In 1929, he entered a partnership with Gaston Gallimard, founder of Éditions Gallimard; Gallimard assumed financial responsibility while Schiffrin remained editorial director. Under this arrangement the Bibliothèque de la Pléiade was launched in 1931, quickly gaining a reputation for its critical apparatus, introductory essays, and distinctive micro‑paper format.
During the Vichy regime’s anti‑Jewish policies, Schiffrin was forced to leave France in 1940. He relocated to New York, where he continued publishing activities for the émigré community and maintained contact with his Parisian colleagues. After the liberation of France, he returned briefly before his death in 1950. Following his passing, Gallimard fully integrated the Pléiade imprint into its catalogue, preserving Schiffrin’s editorial standards.
Etymology/Origin
- Jacques: French form of the Hebrew name “Ya‘aqov” (Jacob), meaning “supplanter.”
- Schiffrin: A surname of Germanic/Yiddish origin, derived from “Schiff” (ship) and the suffix “‑rin,” historically indicating a family involved in shipping or related trades.
Characteristics
- Editorial Mission: Production of compact, durable, and authoritative editions of literary works, accompanied by scholarly introductions, notes, and bibliographies.
- Design Standards: Uniform size, high‑quality paper, and a distinctive teal cloth cover with gold lettering, a visual identity that persists in the contemporary Bibliothèque de la Pléiade.
- Collaborative Model: Early partnership with Gallimard combined Schiffrin’s literary expertise with Gallimard’s financial resources, setting a precedent for publisher‑author collaborations in 20th‑century France.
- Cultural Impact: The Pléiade series became a benchmark for literary scholarship in the French‑speaking world, influencing subsequent editorial projects and reinforcing the canon of French literature.
Related Topics
- Bibliothèque de la Pléiade
- Éditions Gallimard
- French publishing industry (20th century)
- Vichy France and Jewish exile
- Literary canon formation in France
- Pocket‑sized scholarly editions
All information presented is based on established historical records and reputable bibliographic sources.