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Presentation of the SHLF

For more than a century, the Society for the History of French Literature (SHLF) has brought together renowned specialists of French literature. Its objective is to promote the literature of France and the wider Francophone world from the 16th century to the present. The Society regularly organises conferences, debates and colloquia in France and abroad (in 2010, ‘All Forms of Pastiche, 19th to 20th centuries’; in 2011 ‘Allegory from Renaissance to Symbolism’ in Rome, followed by ‘Writers’ Correspondences and Literary History’ in Paris and, in 2012 ‘Literary History and Contemporary Creation’), and is responsible for the publication of the Revue d’Histoire littéraire de la France and a Bibliography of publications in the field of French and Francophone literature.

Founded in 1894, the journal publishes four issues per year under its prestigious acronym RHLF. Each issue features specialist articles, notes and documents, as well as numerous book reviews. In addition, an annual Bibliography, published in collaboration with the Bibliothèque nationale de France, lists all works relating to literature in French published in France and abroad.

The RHLF is held in libraries, research centers, and universities worldwide. Thanks to its broad diffusion, it reaches a very large, international readership. Its professionalism, rigorous peer review system and innovative, high quality articles have earned it a longstanding reputation as one of the leading journals in the field. Articles are written in a style that makes them accessible to researchers specialising in a range of periods and critical approaches. Beyond its academic readership, the journal’s generalist approach makes it attractive to a broader audience interested in French literature.

For further information on the organisation and activities of the Society, as well as for special sections, such as the online reviews of the RHLF and the contents of all numbers published since 2001, please see shlf.com. In addition, an online news bulletin provides information on recent publications and future events in the field of literary history. All numbers of the RHLF from 1894 to 2000 can be consulted free of charge on the Bibliothèque nationale de France’s digital library (Gallica.fr), and, from 2001, on the server Cairn. The RHLF is published by the Classiques Garnier. To subscribe, please use the commercial link on this site or on

The SHLF is governed by an Administrative Council, elected by all its members. The Council appoints new members as well as colleagues in charge of the Society’s activities by co-optation. News in the field of literary history are communicated by a double network of correspondents, in France and abroad. Recognised as being of public utility, the SHLF can receive donations and bequests which enjoy tax benefits under the current regulations.