A seminar organized within the research project Paper Bonds. Bookmaking for Kin, Friends and the Self in Contemporary Europe and the Middle East, developped within AV ČR-CNRS Tandem Program supported by the Czech Academy of Sciences, CNRS and CEFRES

Convenors
Hélène MARTINELLI (ENS Lyon / CEFRES)
Giedrė ŠABASEVIČIŪTĖ (Institute of Orientale Studies, AV ČR)
Ali Al-MOUSSAOUI (CEFRES / UK)

Abstract

The project explores self-made books and private bookmaking practices in contemporary Europe and the Middle East, focusing on their material, symbolic and social dimensions. Adopting a genealogical perspective, it examines how non-commercial publishing and book production shape relationships, express identity and responds to political and technological change. Drawing from the disciplines of anthropology, book history and sociology of literature, the project aims to reappraise the social significance of the print book in the era of digital publishing.

Calendar

February 19, 2026 | Tandem Kick-Off
Hélène Martinelli (ENS Lyon / CEFRES), Giedrė Šabasevičiūtė (Oriental Institute, AV ČR / CEFRES) and Ali Al-Moussaoui (CEFRES / Charles University)
With a keynote by Alessandro LUDOVICO (University of Southampton)
CEFRES, Na Florenci 3, Prague 1

April 1, 2026 | 1st Seminar
Domestic Archives of Exile
Ali AL–MOUSSAOUI (CEFRES / Charles University) et Myriam CATUSSE (IFPO / IHMC)
CEFRES, Na Florenci 3, Prague 1

April 29, 2026 | 2nd Seminar
Beyond Reading. The Social Life of Books
Hélène MARTINELLI (ENS Lyon / CEFRES), Giedrė ŠABASEVIČIŪTĖ (Oriental Institute, Czech Academy of Sciences) and Zoé CARLE (Fablitt, Paris 8 / IUF)
Centre Jacques Berque, Rabat

June |  3rd Seminar

September | 4th Seminar

December | 5th Seminar