The Collection of Georges Heilbrun: A Joyous and Erudite Bookseller

Nothing suggested that Georges Heilbrun would become a leading bookseller after the war. At his birth in Belgium in 1901, his career seemed already decided. The first stroke of destiny was his parents' move to Paris, when they entered their son in the Lycée Chaptal. They planned for him to go to the Centrale post-graduate school and join the family business. But the stars decreed otherwise – after all, his motto was Faventibus Astris ( May the stars be favorable ). Christian Galantaris, a sale expert, recounts an anecdote: "Thanks to a French teacher who showed his pupils an early edition of Brantôme's chronicles, he glimpsed the wonderful world of antiquarian books and their potential delights. From that moment forward, he took a constant and growing interest in them, spending his pocket money on a small collection of books he found with second-hand booksellers." Georges opened a shop in 1930 at 76 Rue de Seine, Paris: a venue that became a rallying point for leading bibliophiles, all made welcome by this handsome man with his imposing stature. He was admired for his stimulating conversation, impressive erudition and…