Paris Retro Flap Pouch – Le Livre Penseur

Can a book think?

According to this Paris sign, it can.

And I rather like the idea.

Le Livre Penseur first caught my eye with its wonderful red storefront. Books in the window, books behind the door, books everywhere and, above them all, those irresistible words: LE LIVRE PENSEUR — The Thinking Book.

That was more than enough reason to stop and take out my camera.

This is how I photograph Paris: by walking. I collect storefronts, signs and small shops that tell their own version of the city. Bookstores naturally hold a special place in this personal geography. Push open a door and suddenly the street disappears behind hundreds of stories.

That is precisely what this pouch is about.

Lift the flap and enter the bookstore

Closed, it shows the red façade of Le Livre Penseur.

Then open it.

And the books take over.

Shelves, bindings, old and new volumes, piles of books and little red drawers fill the image. The outside and inside of the shop meet on the same object. The flap becomes almost like a door waiting to be opened.

At 19.5 × 19.5 cm, the pouch is ideal for glasses, a notebook, pencils, bookmarks, earphones, chargers and all those small things you want to keep together.

The original photographs are printed on recycled polyester fabric, and the pouch is made in France in small batches.

A little library you can carry around.

Without having to carry all the books.