The Société des bibliophiles français () was a

learned society A learned society ( ; also scholarly, intellectual, or academic society) is an organization that exists to promote an academic discipline, profession, or a group of related disciplines such as the arts and sciences. Membership may be open to al ...

for French

bibliophiles A bookworm or bibliophile is an individual who loves and frequently reads or collects books. Bibliophilia or bibliophilism is the love of books. Bibliophiles may have large, specialized book collections. They may highly value old editions, au ...

formed during the 1820s in

Paris Paris () is the Capital city, capital and List of communes in France with over 20,000 inhabitants, largest city of France. With an estimated population of 2,048,472 residents in January 2025 in an area of more than , Paris is the List of ci ...

France France, officially the French Republic, is a country located primarily in Western Europe. Overseas France, Its overseas regions and territories include French Guiana in South America, Saint Pierre and Miquelon in the Atlantic Ocean#North Atlan ...

History

The Society of French Bibliophiles was founded on 1 January 1820 in

. It aimed to publish previously unpublished historical or literary documents or, at the very least, rare works of significance to French history or ancient literature. The society had an annual election for president and treasurer, with a maximum of 24 members, each paying 100 francs annually. Membership required a passion for books, ownership of a library, and adherence to statutes, including nomination by two members and approval by majority vote. The French Bibliophile Society met twice a month and held two large annual meetings, one in January and the other in May. French bibliographer

Jérôme Pichon Baron Jérome-Frédéric Pichon (3 December 1812 – 26 August 1896) was a 19th-century French bibliographer and bibliophile. He was one of the most important French art collectors of his time. Biography Jérôme Pichon was the second son of ...

, a member since 1843, became the president of the Society of French Bibliophiles in 1844.Le Bibliophile français: gazette illustrée des amateurs de livres, d'estampes et de haute curiosité. (1873). France: Bachelin-Deflorenne.

Publications

Between 1820 and 1838, the Société des Bibliophiles produced 88 works.Annuaire des sociétés savantes de la France et de l'étranger. (1846). France: Victor Masson.

References

{{authority control 1820s establishments in France Learned societies of France Clubs and societies in France Organizations established in 1820 French bibliophiles