(A teacher noticed that the “Bibliothèque Choisie” contained a rather high proportion of books which should not be there if the library is to be worthy of its name. She spoke of this to Mother in the course of several interviews. This was the outcome:)

Mother's advice about the composition of the “Bibliothèque Choisie”.²

Remove all modern novels.

Include only scholarly works, on philosophy, art, the sciences.

The best thing would be to bring the list of books to Mother, a little at a time, so that she can see what they contain.

This is an important matter.

The teacher asked Mother what she meant by “scholarly works”. She replied:

All books that aim to teach.

The aim of the “Bibliothèque Choisie” is to teach the students good French and the best in French thought.

It should include mainly scholarly works, that is, works

¹Library of Selected Works.

²This note was taken down as Mother was speaking. It was immediately read out to her and she wrote on it “Approved” and signed it.

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which aim to teach: books on philosophy, art, the sciences, etc.

There should be very few novels (the students read only too many novels), and no modern novels, unless they are of particularly good quality.

Literature has its place in the “Bibliothèque Choisie”, so that the students can learn what literature is.

The most important thing to be taken into consideration when selecting books, is the quality of the language and style,¹something “splendid” as in Flaubert. No translations, or very few, and only if they are of famous works one cannot say “masterpieces” because there are so few of them!²

(About the bad books which are to be withdrawn from the “Bibliothèque Choisie”, Mother saidJ

They should be put in a special place, in a special room called “Bad Books”, so that those who want to study what they contain may do so.

Great care must be taken when ordering books.

The question of the “Bibliothèque Choisie” is an important one.

MESSAGE FOR THE “BIBLIOTHÈQUE CHOISIE”

The aim of the “Bibliothèque Choisie” is to teach French well.

1. The books should be well written.

2. Preference should be given to those that are interesting from the point of view of learning.

3. Include novels only if they are remarkably well written.

4. Very few translations only those of famous books.

5. Send all the rest to the Big Library with the note: “Not to be recommended.”³

1971

¹As this sentence was being read out, Mother showed particular approval.

²This note was taken down after a conversation between Mother and the same teacher. It was read to Mother, who wrote “Approved” and signed it.

³This message was dictated by Mother, then checked by her and signed.

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(The teacher read out to Mother a letter in which she had written, among other things: “I think it is possible to change most of the books in the “Bibliothèque Choisie” and to raise its standard a little. Please tell me if you approve of this and if I may try to realise it.” Mother replied orally, with force :*)

Completely, I approve completely. It is indispensable. We have fallen to such a level! In everything! Ah, I agree completely.

1972

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