I’ve just read that George Whitman, the Paris-based American owner of Shakespeare and Co, has died aged 98.
I met George when I was 18 and a recently arrived backpacker in the city in the late 80s. It was 10:30am, he gave me a glass of whiskey and told me about knowing Henry Miller back in the day, and Samuel Beckett – who was still alive. It was my first taste of the expat bohemian life – and I shall always be in his debt for this introduction.
The shop has been run by his daughter, Sylvia, for some years and still reflects George’s generous and bohemian spirit. If you are in Paris, be sure to call in.
Thanks for the moment, GW! Shine on above the Seine.
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About suehealy
From Ireland, Sue Healy is Literary Manager at the Finborough Theatre, London, a full-time Lecturer in Creative Writing at the University of Lincoln. Her book on theatre literary management is published by Routledge, December 2022.
Sue is an award-winning writer for stage, TV, and prose writer.
TV
Her current project, a 6x60minute TV series, is under option. She is under commission with Lone Wolf Media, producers behind PBS’ “Mercy Street”, to co-write the pilot and treatment for a six-part TV series.
Stage
Her most recent stage-play, Imaginationship (2018), enjoyed a sold out, extended run at the Finborough and later showed at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough. Her previous stage productions include Cow (Etcetera Theatre, 2017) and Brazen (King’s Head Theatre, 2016), funded by Arts Council England. Sue’s short plays have been performed at the Criterion (Criterion New Writing Showcase), Arcola (The Miniaturists) and Hackney Attic (Fizzy Sherbet Shorts).
Radio
Her radio work includes nine plays broadcast on BBC Radio 4 (Opening Lines winner), WLRfm and KCLR96fm.
Prose
Sue has won The Molly Keane Award, HISSAC Prize, Escalator Award, Meridian Prize and has been published in nine literary journals and anthologies including: The Moth, Flight, Tainted Innocence, New Writer, Duality, HISSAC, New European Writers. She has been writer-in-residence on Inis Oírr, Aran Islands, and at the Heinrich Boll Cottage on Achill Island. She has also benefitted from annual artist residencies at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre, and at Ginestrelle, Assisi in Italy.
An academic with a PhD in modern theatre history, specifically the Royal Court Theatre, Sue has presented her research internationally. She spent eleven years in Budapest, editing Hungary A.M. She has a PhD in modern theatre history (Royal Court Theatre) and is a UEA Creative Writing MA alumnus.
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suehealy 
December 17th, 2011 at 20:49
What a wonderful experience you had, Sue. Thanks for sharing!
December 17th, 2011 at 22:40
Sometimes chance meetings leave indelible marks on our souls. Cherish the memory, Sue, and may his spirit continue to guide the shop.
December 18th, 2011 at 01:25
Sounds like a great experience and a fond memory. Those impressions that last a lifetime
December 20th, 2011 at 23:59
Hi Sue, I love all of your advice. I know you already have loads of followers but I’ve nominated you for the Versatile Blogger/Liebster award. You can choose whether or not to pass it on, I just wanted to share some love! 🙂
http://thoughtsandrainstorms.wordpress.com/2011/12/20/the-versatile-blogger-award-mixed-with-a-little-liebster/
December 21st, 2011 at 13:25
Hi Holly,
Thanks, Holly, that’s very kind of you. I tend not to go in for those ‘pass it on’ type awards – but I really appreciate the gesture and it was lovely of your to nominate me. I’m glad you find the advice useful.
January 28th, 2012 at 15:36
Hello Sue,
I had the opportunity last spring to visit Shakespeare & Co. and my only regret is that I could not stay longer. Seven days in London was NOT enough.
Thanks for following my Sisters who pick the rose, blog. I am at a loss with my next chapter – I really thought (at my age) I would be ready to write for ME – gotta get over the chasm between fiction and truth. I say this to explain my tardiness in posting ch. 5.
Anyway, thanks for the reminder of the Bard & Co and George Whitman –
gwen
January 28th, 2012 at 15:41
NOT LONDON – Paris – 7 days – not enough. My first time out of the States and everything runs together in memory – bad sign for a writer. Apologies to Whitman, the Bard and you.
gwen