About This Issue
Tout l’Univers N°226 combines Venetian festivities, winter astronomy, Shakespeare, and scientific puzzles in one illustrated French weekly. Published by Hachette, this issue dates from the week of 16–23 February 1966.
The cover depicts a lively historical Carnival scene before the ornate façade of Saint Mark’s Basilica in Venice. Masked figures, richly coloured clothing, performers, and pigeons fill the foreground. A painted folding fan appears within the yellow side panel, complementing the theatrical subject.
Venice and Historical Costume
Inside, “Au Siècle des Lumières, le Carnaval de Venise” continues the theme with an illustrated interior gathering. Architectural details and elaborate clothing create a contrasting setting to the bustling cover scene.
The back cover presents four individually illustrated figures in historical costume, accompanied by explanatory captions. Red, blue, yellow, and dark patterned garments stand out against the pale background. These illustrations remain part of the magazine, rather than separate costume prints.
A Turquoise Winter Star Map
A double-page chart titled “Le Ciel en Janvier et Février, Secteur Est” provides another visual highlight. White stars and linked constellation outlines appear against a broad turquoise sky.
French labels identify constellations including the Great Bear, Little Bear, Lion, Cancer, and Hydra. A narrow illustrated horizon runs along the lower edge. Explanatory text beneath the chart accompanies smaller astronomical diagrams near its upper corners.
Literature, Politics and Scientific Tests
The photographed “Hamlet de Shakespeare” section is marked as the third part of the feature. Illustrated characters accompany French text discussing the tragedy. This is a magazine instalment, not a complete standalone edition of Shakespeare’s play.
“La République” examines political systems through explanatory columns and a historical assembly illustration. Nearby, “Tests d’Aptitude aux Carrières Scientifiques” presents reasoning exercises with animals, coloured shapes, mechanical diagrams, and scoring guidance.
The “Informations” page adds contemporary news, including a European rocket feature and illustrations of French postage stamps. Together, these subjects reflect the varied educational interests of the publication during the 1960s.
Condition
Very good overall, with bright cover colours and vivid interior illustrations. Light edge and spine wear, small corner creases, and gentle paper waviness are visible. Minor age-related toning is also present.
The issue is reported complete at 20 pages. The photographs show selected spreads, rather than a page-by-page collation. Please examine the images for the condition of this individual copy.
Key Details
Publication: Tout l’Univers
Publisher: Hachette, Paris
Issue: N°226
Date: Week of 16–23 February 1966
Language: French
Material: Printed paper
Dimensions: Approximately 25 × 31 cm
Page count: 20 pages, reported complete
Cover: Historical Venice Carnival scene
Back cover: Four historical costume figures
Subjects: Venice, winter astronomy, Hamlet, republics, scientific aptitude tests
SKU: 2C148
Why It’s Special
The Carnival cover and turquoise star chart give this issue two distinct visual highlights. Its costume illustrations and educational features offer further interest for collectors of vintage French magazines.
