1966 Tout l’Univers No. 240
This vintage French Tout l’Univers magazine brings cinema, literature and music together in one richly illustrated issue. Published by Hachette in 1966, No. 240 combines film stills, painted portraits and colourful historical scenes. Its 20 pages offer a varied introduction to cultural and educational subjects.
The front cover features a red masthead, yellow side band and white border. A Napoleonic interior scene shows uniformed figures gathered beneath chandeliers. A separate printed image of an eagle ornament appears near the lower corner.
Cinema Genres
The cinema spread presents comedy, drama and adventure through French explanatory text and black-and-white film stills. Yellow panels divide the material into clearly defined sections. Additional topics include gangster films, science fiction, horror and swashbuckling adventures.
The arrangement contrasts dramatic scenes, recognisable screen characters and descriptive passages across two densely composed pages. It offers an engaging example of illustrated film education from the 1960s. The feature is part of this magazine, not a separate cinema publication.
Edgar Allan Poe
The Edgar Allan Poe article combines biographical writing with several colour illustrations. A painted portrait introduces the writer, while a larger scene depicts him working at a candlelit desk. A smaller portrait of Virginia Clemm appears beneath the main image.
French text explores Poe’s life and literary work through short sections. The page design balances columns, captions and dramatic imagery. This combination gives the article a distinct visual identity within the issue.
Maurice Ravel
A further double-page feature introduces Maurice Ravel and his music. A large painted portrait appears beside biographical text and a smaller black-and-white image. A broad colour illustration extends across the lower part of the spread.
A dedicated Daphnis et Chloé panel accompanies the pastoral scene. Pale green backgrounds distinguish this feature from the cinema and Poe pages. Together, these articles give the issue particular appeal for readers interested in several creative disciplines.
Other Features
Additional material includes the end of the Napoleonic era, illustrated historical developments and a contemporary information page. An article headed Comment s’acquiert la propriété discusses property ownership. Reader correspondence and a crossword complete the varied contents.
This listing is for one complete issue, rather than a bound encyclopaedia or complete magazine run. The format measures approximately 35 × 25 × 0.3 cm. All text is in French.
Condition
Good vintage condition overall, with light age toning and minor handling wear. The cover shows rubbing and small creases along the spine fold and edges. Slight waviness and corner wear are visible.
The pages are complete and legible, with vivid colour illustrations and clear black-and-white reproductions. The issue remains together and opens across its central fold. Careful handling is recommended around the worn spine edge.
Key Details
Title: Tout l’Univers
Issue: No. 240
Publisher: Hachette
Date: 1966
Language: French
Format: Illustrated encyclopedic weekly magazine
Featured subjects: Cinema genres, Edgar Allan Poe and Maurice Ravel
Additional subjects: History, property ownership, reader letters and crossword
Pages: 20
Illustrations: Colour and black-and-white
Dimensions: Approximately 35 × 25 × 0.3 cm / 13.8 × 9.8 × 0.1 inches
Condition: Good, with minor spine wear, creasing and light toning
SKU: 2C187
Why It’s Special
The appeal lies in the interplay between cinema stills, literary portraiture and illustrated music history. Each major feature has its own colour palette and layout. A characterful addition to a collection of French magazines, educational publishing or vintage cultural ephemera.
