François Maspero, a celebrated French author and journalist, came into this world on January 19, 1932, in the City of Light, Paris, France. Throughout his illustrious career, he has garnered widespread recognition for his tireless efforts in publishing a plethora of leftist literature during the 1970s.
Maspero's family was imbued with a rich cultural heritage that played a profound role in shaping his early years. His father, Henri Maspero, was a renowned sinologist and esteemed professor at the prestigious Collège de France, where he imparted his vast knowledge to aspiring scholars. Meanwhile, his mother, a strong and resilient individual, had the remarkable distinction of surviving the harrowing Ravensbrück concentration camp, a testament to her unwavering spirit and unbreakable will.
On his maternal side, Maspero was fortunate to have a grandfather, Gaston Maspero, who was a celebrated Egyptologist, leaving an indelible mark on the field of archaeology.
Maspero's entrepreneurial spirit was evident at a young age, as he embarked on a new venture in 1955, at the tender age of 23, by opening a book store in the iconic Latin Quarter.
Fast forward to 1959, and Maspero's professional trajectory took an exciting turn when he, along with Marie-Thérèse Maugis, co-founded the esteemed publishing house Éditions François Maspero.
The early years of the publishing company saw the release of several notable collections, including the thought-provoking "Cahiers libres" and the intellectually stimulating "Textes à l'appui". These collections not only showcased the company's commitment to producing high-quality literature but also its dedication to exploring pressing social and political issues of the time, such as the Algerian War and the French Communist Party's Stalinism.
Noted French scholar and literary figure, Maspero, made significant contributions to the world of publishing, releasing a variety of influential works that garnered widespread attention and acclaim. One of his most notable endeavors was the publication of Frantz Fanon's seminal work, "The Wretched of the Earth", which first saw the light of day in the year 1961. Additionally, Maspero was instrumental in releasing "L'An V de la Révolution algérienne", a publication that shed light on the pivotal moments of the Algerian Revolution. Furthermore, he dedicated himself to sharing the testimonies of those affected by the tumultuous events in Algeria, including rigorous investigations into the alleged use of torture by the French Army.
Not only did Maspero encounter legal battles and violent attacks, but he also became the focal point of French government scrutiny due to his bold publishing choices. He saw fit to reissue a plethora of influential literary works, among which were Paul Nizan's groundbreaking novels "Les Chiens de garde" and "Aden Arabie", both of which featured a foreword written by the renowned philosopher and writer Jean-Paul Sartre.
Noted French scholar Gaston Maspero's impressive legacy extends beyond his esteemed academic pursuits, as he also played a pivotal role in the establishment of the influential literary review "Partisans", which continued to thrive until the year 1973. This esteemed publication served as a platform for numerous prominent writers to gain widespread recognition, including the renowned thinkers Régis Debray, Bernard-Henri Lévy, and the acclaimed novelist Georges Perec.
In the midst of the tumultuous 1960s, Maspero's esteemed publishing house redirected its focus towards the pressing concerns of the Third World, shedding light on the complex and often controversial issues surrounding neo-colonialism. It was during this period that the publishing house released a diverse array of works by prominent figures, including the illustrious Che Guevara, the Cameroonian author Mongo Beti, and numerous other notable writers.
Fast forward to 1975, and Maspero's publishing house made a significant move by reissuing Jean Maitron's seminal work, "History of the anarchist movement in France (1880–1914)", a classic that had already garnered widespread acclaim. This re-release served as a testament to the publishing house's commitment to preserving and promoting historical knowledge, as well as its dedication to making such works accessible to a wider audience.
The publishing house founded by Gaston Maspero underwent a significant transformation in the year 1983, when it was rebranded as Éditions La Découverte, a name that reflected the company's continued commitment to exploring and discovering new knowledge and perspectives. This rebranding effort marked a new chapter in the company's history, as it began to establish itself as a major player in the French publishing industry.
