Didier Convard

Now over 100 years old, Le Canard is an institution in the French media landscape, with its old-fashioned look, its rejection of giving in to social media, and its never-ending exposure of corruption of the political, religious, corporate, and military class in France (with much overlap and revolving door between these four). From its debut as a satirical publication during WWI, to its evolution of high-level reporting, Le Canard has always been a thorn in the side of the powers-that-be, and the constant wondering of who its sources are. This doggedness and deep sources earned it its own Watergate-style scandal in 1973. But despite the beatings from fascists, governmental harassment, and various threats, Le Canard continues to expose, reveal, and, importantly, mock the pompous and the hypocrites in power.
This 100 year overview is a whirlwind, well-narrated (in French), and beautifully illustrated. I confess to having forgotten most of the scandals that Le Canard exposed (especially the older ones) and one comes away with a despairing view of the political / corporate corruption a la francaise.
There is nothing in the world of the press like Le Canard, so, this book is well worth it.
But if you want to read Le Canard, don't look for a digital edition. There isn't one.… (more)