Les femmes et les livres

by Albert Cim

"Les femmes et les livres" by Albert Cim is a literary treatise written in the early 20th century. The work explores the complex relationship between women and literature, focusing on both bibliophobes (women who disdain books) as well as bibliophiles (women who cherish them). Cim aims to challenge historical perceptions that portray women as instinctual enemies of literature, while also highlighting notable exceptions among women who have embraced reading and book collection. At the start of the text, Cim introduces the premise of his exploration by referencing historical bibliographers who have been excessively critical of women’s supposed distaste for books. He discusses the opinions of various scholars and literary figures who have claimed that women are fundamentally antagonistic to literature, often presenting humorous anecdotes and historical examples. Cim makes it clear that he will methodically review both the "enemies of books" and the "friends of books," setting the stage for a deeper examination of women's roles in the domain of literature throughout history.