Photo : Gaston Paris, Les archives d'une prison, v. 1940-1960, Roger-Viollet
A brief history of writing in prison
A conference by Philippe Artières, Research Director at the CNRS
Mairie du 10e arrondissement (Paris 10th)
About
Philippe Artières is a contemporary historian and specialist in the practices and representations of writing: scholarly writings, professional writings, and self-writings.
He has been particularly interested in penitentiary archives and prisoners' writings, notably in his works Le Livre des vies coupables. Autobiographies de criminels, 1896-1909 (Albin-Michel, 2000) and Un séminariste assassin. L'affaire Bladier, 1905 (CNRS Éditions, 2020).
This conference is part of the Dixit cycle and will take place at the 10th Arrondissement Town Hall.
The Paris City History Committee, the Histoire et vies du 10e association, and the Françoise Sagan library offer you a cycle of conferences on the theme of detention, to complete, enrich, and broaden the subject of the exhibition Prisonnières, les dernières années de la prison Saint-Lazare (1919-1932) presented at the library.
Our take on this event
Discover the hidden voices of the past through the secret diaries and letters composed by inmates throughout history. This insightful talk peels back the layers of prison life, examining how the act of writing becomes a profound tool for survival and memory. It is a must for those who love digging into the untold, human stories that define our urban archives.
Historian Philippe Artières presents an insightful lecture on the history of writing within prison systems on Wednesday, November 18, 2026. Taking place at the 10th arrondissement town hall, this event explores the testimonies and autobiographical works produced by detainees, as studied in the author's academic research. This talk, part of the Dixit cycle, is intended for an adult audience aged 18 and over. The session is free to attend and runs from 19:00 to 20:30. The venue is fully accessible to wheelchair users, ensuring everyone can participate in this historical discussion.
Philippe Artières, an expert in the history of contemporary practices and written records, examines the archives and personal writings of inmates. His work, which includes books such as Le Livre des vies coupables and Un séminariste assassin, sheds light on the narratives written from behind bars, offering a unique perspective on the history of imprisonment.
This lecture is organized as part of the Dixit cycle by the City of Paris History Committee, the Histoire et vies du 10e association, and the Françoise Sagan library. The cycle is designed to complement the exhibition Prisonnières, les dernières années de la prison Saint-Lazare (1919-1932) currently on display at the library, by providing a broader historical context on detention.
The event takes place on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, from 19:00 to 20:30 at the 10th arrondissement town hall. Admission is free and open to the public for attendees aged 18 and up. The facility is equipped to be accessible for wheelchair users.
