1939 Updated | Larousse French Dictionary

In 1944, after the liberation, Émile placed the dictionary back on its shelf. A little girl tugged his sleeve. “Monsieur, what does ‘ liberté ’ mean?”

The 1939 edition of the Larousse French Dictionary is particularly noteworthy because it captures the essence of the French language during a pivotal moment in history. Just before the outbreak of World War II, this edition reflects the linguistic landscape of France during the interwar period. The dictionary contains over 40,000 entries, including words, phrases, and idiomatic expressions, providing a comprehensive snapshot of the French language at a time of great cultural, social, and political change.

If you ever come across a dark blue volume stamped “1939” in a dusty antique shop, do not hesitate. Open it carefully. Listen closely. You might just hear the last heartbeat of the Belle Époque fading into the roar of history’s darkest decade. larousse french dictionary 1939

For those interested in learning more about the Larousse dictionary and its significance, we recommend exploring the following resources:

Perhaps the most poignant entry is Espoir (hope). The dictionary defines it simply as “Confiance dans la réalisation de ce qu’on désire.” And indeed, the France of 1939 still had hope—hope in the Maginot Line, hope in the British alliance, hope that war could be averted. In 1944, after the liberation, Émile placed the

For the serious collector or the curious historian, acquiring a copy of the 1939 Larousse is like acquiring a piece of collective memory. Each thumbprint on its pages could belong to someone who lived through the Exodus of 1940. Each penciled marginal note could be a soldier’s last scribble.

The Larousse French Dictionary 1939 is a timeless linguistic treasure that continues to captivate language enthusiasts, historians, and researchers. This iconic dictionary offers a unique perspective on the French language, culture, and society during a transformative period in history. Whether you're a linguist, a historian, or simply a language learner, the 1939 Larousse dictionary is an invaluable resource that provides a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of the French language. Just before the outbreak of World War II,

He slid the Larousse into a false bottom of a bread crate. Above it, he placed a mouldy loaf and a copy of Je Suis Partout —the collaborationist rag—to fool any patrol.

By the 1930s, the dictionary had become a cultural institution. However, the editions produced between 1930 and 1939 reflect a France grappling with economic depression (the Great Depression hit late but hard in France), political instability, and the rise of fascism in neighboring countries. The 1939 edition was, in many ways, the final product of the Troisième République (Third Republic)—a regime that would collapse just one year later, in June 1940.

The 1939 Larousse is particularly famous among historians for its flag and map pages

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