Raymond Queneau

A poet, novelist, and co-founder of OuLiPo, Raymond Queneau (1903–1976) of Le Havre—known for *Zazie in the Metro*, the song “Si tu t’imagines,” and *Exercises in Style*, was also, from 1954 to 1975, the driving force behind the *Encyclopédie de la Pléiade*, the great encyclopedia of the 20th century.

This publishing venture, spearheaded by Gallimard for 35 years, from 1956 to 1991, comprised 49 volumes, printed on bible paper. It brought together Roger Caillois, Jean Piaget, Jean Rostand, Roland Barthes, and the leading scientific experts of the 20th century. Its success led to numerous translations, including into Japanese and Serbo-Croatian. Some of its chapters were later republished in paperback (Gallimard’s “Idées” collection).

Philippe Normand, a leading expert on the work of Raymond Queneau, discusses the origins of the *Encyclopédie de la Pléiade*, linking it to Raymond Queneau’s life story, his insatiable curiosity, and his passion for sharing knowledge.