The moment I happened upon the book Les Zizis de Paris, several years ago, I was smitten. Not because of the subject per se (though what's not to love?!), but because I delighted in imagining a similar book in an Anglo-Saxon museum bookshop. Maybe there is one and I just don't know about it, but I'm not holding my breath. As a culture, I think, we Americans in general are just more disposed to be prudish/woo-hoo about such matters, as opposed to dealing with the subject matter with an appreciative nod and a wink.
Zizi is the French equivalent of wee-wee, or weenie or what-have-you. I find it quite adorable as a name for male parts.
I found this charming and entertaining photography book in a museum store of one of the museums of the city of Paris. Not hidden hush-hush in a brown wrapper in a corner, but prominently displayed with other guides to Paris. And indeed, it is a pictorial guide to male nude public statues. What? Oh yes, of course I bought it!
So, big deal. It's Art. No fig leaves. It's France. It's the human body. Deal with it. Enjoy it.
But I did get a chuckle out of the juxtaposition of the accompanying standard web language on the website for the book...
Well merci. You've just taken care of many many Christmas and birthday gifts for me, and I'm getting one for myself as well. I love how the children in Paris don't bat an eye at the sight of a "zizi", in art of course!
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I saw this book! And I didn't buy it. :( Now I have a reason to return to Paris (as if I needed one!)
ReplyDeleteHow could you doubt that there might be a similar American book? It has chapters on ZZ Top, ZZ Packer, et. al.
ReplyDeleteThe things one can find on the Internet..LOL!! I agree though..it is just a human body after all...
ReplyDeleteThis will take care of my Christmas list and birthday list! Love those French!!!
ReplyDeleteI've always wondered about that word...
ReplyDeleteI saw so many kids books at the salon du livre that could never make it through US customs-witty, fun, funny
ce m'enerve
Thinking of zizis, I remember all the flap about Maurice Sendak's illustrations (one page or 2) in In the Night Kitchen.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, this book is charming and I do recommend it. My copy is deep in storage somewhere with all my Paris books.
You have such a good eye for the best details about Paris!
ReplyDeleteIt seems like a good Christmas gift for some one who is un bon vivant
ReplyDeleteEnlarge! lol
ReplyDeleteI like the last comment enlarge please.
ReplyDeleteI just laugh thinking about how someone wote this book lol
ReplyDeleteThis article makes me giggle every time I read it
ReplyDeleteWhy in the world would someone write a book like that?
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