French Literature Reviews - 2026

The Aesthetic Thrill
Other Literary Studies

Just published: Le frisson esthétique, issue 5, Summer 2007, 5 euros

In the spirit of fine 19th-century periodicals, Le frisson esthétique aims to discover new literary and artistic talent, serving as a collection designed to inform, surprise, and entertain.

Contents

First Thrill
Agnès Desarthe. Fleeting Beauty...

Short Stories
Willy Alante-Lima. An Electric Grafted Mango Tree
Julien Hérichon. She and the Senses

Letter to...
Guillaume Apollinaire. Lou...

Of Art & Love
Eric-George Michel. Orientations

Curiosa
Nicolas Malais. Voltaire and The Maid of Orleans

Summer Ballads
Geneviève Moll. Goudji, the Golden Magician

Poetry
Loïc Herry. A Selection of Unpublished Poems.
Sorbonne Poetry Competition. Winners of the 2nd Edition

Gourmontian Press
He Who Does Not Travel

Tales & Legends
Catherine Sevestre-Loquet. The Curse of the White Hare

Serial
Daniel Lesueur. Nietzschean, Part 4

Delicacies
Lucien Tendret. Mr. Prior's Cardinalized Crayfish
Michel Cognet. Summer Refreshments
Completely Nuts! Philippe Fouchard
Evelyne Bloch-Danot. Zucchini and Mint Flan
Medhi Moutier. Bacchic Thrills

Literary Strolls
Carole Aurouet. Playing Hooky: The Child Prévert
Christian Buat. A Virginal Heart

The publication draws inspiration from the tradition of nineteenth-century literary periodicals, which frequently combined creative writing with cultural commentary and miscellany. By assembling short stories, poetry, and essays, the journal reflects a long-standing practice of curating eclectic content to engage a broad readership. This issue includes contributions from authors such as Agnès Desarthe and Loïc Herry, alongside historical reflections on figures like Guillaume Apollinaire and Voltaire. The inclusion of diverse genres, from culinary notes to literary analysis, aligns with historical formats that sought to inform and entertain through varied, episodic contributions.

The contents include the analysis of artistic figures like Goudji, the study of literary history, and creative pieces. The issue features topics such as the influence of Nietzsche, the poetry of the Sorbonne competition, and the life of Jacques Prévert. Readers interested in the intersection of creative writing, culinary history, and French literary tradition may find this collection relevant for its varied approach to cultural and artistic expression.