In 1296, Jacques de Bretagne founded a scriptorium to serve the citizens and students of Paris. Upon his death in 1345, his grandson Phillippe assumed the mantle of proprietor.

When the Great Pestilence swept through Paris in 1348, Philippe and his new bride, Marie, were spared. But, sadly, 13 years later, in a second wave of disease, Philippe and both his sons died. Marie, now a 33-year-old widow, was left to care for the scriptorium and her young daughter, Genevi�ve, alone.

Marie, a woman of unusual learning, undertook to become a member of the Paris guild of booksellers. She passed the required examinations in Latin and in bookmaking techniques and, with the help of Phillippe's journeymen and apprentices, carried on her dear husband's work.

One apprentice, Louis Fontenay, worked faithfully for Marie, as he had for her husband. Eventually, he earned the rank of master in his own right and, in 1375, married Genevi�ve. Fontenay carried on the business of the scriptorium and passed the skills and traditions on to his son, Henri. Today, Louis and Henri maintain the proud tradition of quality merchandise and personal service, first established by Master Jacques more than 100 years ago.