Every country has a national identity which emerges from the coalescence of a certain set of shared attitudes, values, goals, traditions and practices that characterizes the respective nation. These form an integrated pattern which becomes manifest through culture. When it comes to Monaco, many associate it with monarchy, casinos and Grand Prix races. However, there is more to it, and since literature is a vehicle by means of which culture is conveyed, the article will focus on Monte Carlo and Monaco books.
Although a small country, Monaco has always striven towards building and promoting a strong national culture. Alongside the Monegasque government, the royal family has acted as a patron actively engaged in supporting the arts, cultural institutions, and the humanities through a variety of programs and events. Therefore, numerous organizations such as the Prince Pierre Foundation have been founded in order to encourage culture in the letters and the arts by the creation and awarding of prizes. In what Monte Carlo and Monaco books are concerned, recognition of talent and value is granted by means of awards like the Grand Literary Prize, which was created in 1951. Since then, it is annually bestowed on authors whose works are considered outstanding.
As in the case of true art-loving nations, Monaco’s appreciation of artistic writing goes beyond national boundaries and the proof comes in the form of initiatives such as the establishment of the Princess Grace Irish Library, which comprises over 8,000 volumes related to Irish history, culture and writing, in both Irish and English languages, or the organisation of events like Monaco Cinema Literature International Forum.
Established in 2001 by Claire Breuvart and Hans-Stephan Kreidel under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco, the Cinema and Literature International Forum is the leading international meeting on literary writing adaptation for cinema. Having reached its 10th edition, the event has laid even from its debut the premises for illustrious personalities from the world of literature, animations, cinema and television to gather and take part in what is considered a fine mix of culture and glamour that enlivens the legend of cinema each year in Monaco. Among the figures that have been present at this meeting are included Sir Alan Parker, Claude Miller, Jeanne Moreau, Paulo Coelho, Ben Gazzara, Marc Lévy, Christopher Lee, Jean Reno, Mary Higgins Clark, Douglas Kennedy, Tim Roth, Daniel Auteuil and many others. With multiple directions to benefit from, the forum creates a perfect environment for literature and cinema fans of all types. Thus, the general public has the occasion to assist and enjoy debates, round tables, courses on cinema, book signings and previews of films, students to get involved in pitch competitions and workshops on literary adaptation, given by a well-known writer, and professionals to interact within informal meetings. Aiming at creating a bridge between the two arts of literature and cinema, the Forum also intends to inspire producers and to contribute to the production of new films based on literary works and comic strips.
Although the international literary canon includes no Monegasque-originating written work, this doesn’t mean there are no valuable Monte Carlo and Monaco books to represent the country’s literature. What is certain is that the state has always manifested a constant and great interest in supporting and promoting its representatives not only in literature, but also in the other artistic domains.