Nineteenth-Century French-Language Press in the UK: Readership, Typology, and Cultural Integration

During the long nineteenth century, there was a wealth of French–language periodicals produced and circulated in London and throughout the United Kingdom. Yet, what was the role of these papers in this largely English-speaking environment? Who were their readers? Were these periodicals solely aimed at the closed circle of the French émigré community? The aim of this chapter is to tackle these questions and to initiate a discussion regarding three fundamental issues: the readership of these papers, their typology and categorization, and their possible role in the cultural integration and exchange between France and the United Kingdom. In doing so, the chapter explores some of the uses of French-language press in the UK during the nineteenth century.