The Tribe

by jean-michel-mension

From 1952 to 1954, Jean-Michel Mension frequented Saint-Germain-des-Pres as part of the famed Lettrist International, which later spawned the Situationist International. In a series of talks, Mension shares his unique bohemian lifestyle spent with Guy Debord and an eclectic mix of heavy drinkers and deep thinkers. 'The Tribe' offers a rare, vivid glimpse into a moment and environment largely overlooked by the tourists who visited the Left Bank to catch a glimpse of Sartre & Co. The rich visuals include many of Ed van der Elsken's renowned photographs of 'the tribe' and a collection of Letterist leaflets and posters.

Genres: Nonfiction

138 pages, Paperback

First published August 8, 2002

Reviews

[Tosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating document of the everyday life of a 'citiizen' of the Paris Underground during the postwar years. Essential reading to better understanding of the social circle and lives of the Situationists.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging set of interviews with Mension, a member (for a time, in a group of changing allegiances and purges) of the Letterist International.

As they were largely conducted in bars and brasseries, the feeling of having a fascinating conversation with a raconteur holds strong. Recommended for those interested in the time, and for those interested in the subcultures of politics, art, and anti-work.

[Marcus Shibaba · Rating 3 out of 5]

These guys were so hardcore they drank ether.