This collection of 14 essays from acclaimed writers such as James Baldwin and Mavis Gallant, all originally published in the New Yorker, give an intriguing glimpse into life in post-war France, particularly in Paris, where most of the authors were based. Inevitably I found some of the essays more interesting or appealing than others, but coming from the pens of such excellent writers, all had something to offer. The volume has been issued to accompany Wes Anderson’s 2021 film The French Dispatch, which is based on these essays, as the introduction makes clear. The film brings to life a collection of stories from the final issues of an American magazine published in a fictional 20th century French city. I look forward to revisiting the essays once I have seen the film. But I don’t think it’s necessary to know anything at all about the film to enjoy this book, as New Yorker essays are always worth reading, and this collection is no exception.

I might not know many of the people who are discussed in this book but I still found it fascinating. It was full of insights into the way the New Yorker magazine developed and how it rewrote magazine journalism. It is the basis for a film by Wes Anderson and includes portraits of editor William Shawn and founder Harold Ross. Most of the expatriate journalists are based in France and it is an excellent glimpse of life in post war Paris. The way long form stories were written and researched is explained in the various essays and the whole is introduced with an interview with Anderson and why he values the story.

Recommended if you love the New Yorker and/or Wes Anderson and also if you understand the value of true journalism and integrity.

I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley in return for an honest review.

Wonderful interesting read so much information so much fun .Looking forward to seeing the film.Highly recommend #netgalley#pushkinpress

Thank you to Pushkin Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Since I love essays, I was looking forward to reading this selection of essays from the New Yorker (and other magazines). I didn't realize that this book is a collection meant to accompany Wes Anderson's upcoming film "The French Dispatch". I might not have requested this had this been clear to me.

As a collection of journalism from expats in Paris during the 20th century, this book is an interesting read. As to be expected, I found some pieces more/less appealing than others, but several give a fascinating portrait of the time. Overall though, the book felt a bit dusty and out of date, both in style and in content. Quite a few of the articles were paeans to Harold Ross, the founder of the New Yorker, which didn't really interest me.

I feel indifferent about this book, thus the 3 star rating. It wasn't bad at all, I really enjoyed reading, but I think I will enjoy it more once I see The French Dispatch! The intro was one of my favorite parts!!

Reading this made me extremely excited to see the movie, but for me personally I think that I would prefer seeing the movie and then reading the 'inspiration' rather than trying to imagine the movie based on the works included in An Editor's Burial. I think that this book is a brilliant idea--to compile essays/articles/texts that inspired The French Dispatch as a 'companion' to the movie.

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is fascinating and I cannot wait to watch the film. I love Paris, and this book made me feel like I was living there during the golden age.

Such a wonderful collection of essays! This book reveals an exciting film-to-come, and guides the reader through a marvelous array of clips that are entertaining and illuminating. 5 stars!

Like any collected works or anthology, there's going to be some you like and some you don't. That rings true for me with this book.

Of course, being a fan of Wes Anderson and greatly anticipating French Dispatch (which I am) helps a lot. But another prerequisite for enjoying this would be a fondness for The New Yorker, and while I respect and do like The New Yorker, I don't have the reverence and deep knowledge of it that I think would have made some of this book a bit more enjoyable. Though I did enjoy the stories of Paris (particularly The Events in May by Mavis Gallant as well as James Baldwin's Equal in Parts)

Maybe I'll enjoy this collection more with hindsight after having seen the movie it inspired...

I liked about two thirds of the essays in this with the really long diary entry style one and the one before the end being the only exceptions. I liked the introduction and reading this made me even more excited for the french dispatch when it comes out.