1966 Tout l’Univers No. 239
This vintage French issue of Tout l’Univers was published by Hachette in 1966. Number 239 combines illustrated history, Scandinavian sagas, cinema production, amateur astronomy and aviation news. Its large-format pages mix colour artwork with black-and-white photographs and explanatory diagrams.
The cover pairs a bold red masthead with a yellow side band and a white frame. A colourful scene shows dancers and musicians beneath tall arches. A gold-toned profile medallion appears near the lower corner.
History, Sagas and Aviation
An article headed Au siècle de Napoléon, les Français en Espagne accompanies a detailed colour illustration of a Spanish town. Figures, buildings and street activity fill the scene. The facing news page includes the headline Un nouvel avion de 490 passagers.
The Les Sagas spread introduces Scandinavian storytelling through French text and illustrated scenes. Horsemen and groups of figures appear against a pale green background. A separate text panel presents a passage from the Saga de Hrafnkell.
These contrasting subjects give the issue a varied rhythm. Historical illustration sits alongside contemporary news photography and explanatory writing. The visual range is an important part of this magazine’s character.
Cinema and Amateur Astronomy
A double-page feature headed Plan de travail d’un film reproduces a dense production scheduling chart. Its many columns and entries stretch across both pages beneath an orange heading. A small photograph and explanatory text accompany the chart.
The astronomy feature Construisons un télescope is identified as the twelfth instalment of the series. A telescope photograph appears beside additional images and French explanatory text. The neighbouring Courrier des lecteurs page combines correspondence with black-and-white nature photographs.
This listing is for one complete 20-page issue, not a bound encyclopaedia or complete magazine run. The magazine measures approximately 35 × 25 × 0.3 cm. Its thin format contrasts with the densely illustrated interior.
Condition
Good vintage condition overall, with light age toning and handling wear. The cover shows minor fraying and rubbing along the spine fold, with small edge creases. Slight corner wear and gentle waviness are also visible.
The pages are complete, legible and retain vivid colour illustrations. The issue remains together, with the central fold visible across the open spreads. Careful handling is recommended around the worn spine edge.
Key Details
Title: Tout l’Univers
Issue: No. 239
Publisher: Hachette
Date: 1966
Language: French
Format: Illustrated encyclopedic weekly magazine
Contents: Napoleonic Spain, Norse sagas, cinema production, telescope building, aviation news and reader correspondence
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 light toning, spine-fold fraying and minor creasing
SKU: 2C186
Why It’s Special
The appeal lies in the breadth of subjects brought together within a single illustrated issue. The film-production chart offers a distinctive contrast to the painted historical scenes. A colourful addition to a collection of French magazines, educational publications or vintage printed ephemera.
