Postcard From San Francisco: les éditions Leal Torres exhibit at the CODEX book fair
- Mar 2
- 5 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
In February 2026, les éditions Leal Torres had the pleasure of traveling to California to attend the tenth International Biennial CODEX Book Art Fair & Symposium, one of the most prestigious and dynamic book fairs in the world.
On this occasion, our team was invited to present the work of our publishing house specialised in rare books at the Alliance Française of San Francisco. Join us as we look back on this trip filled with stimulating adventures and wonderful encounters!
What is the International Biennial CODEX Book Art Fair & Symposium?
The CODEX Foundation was established in 2005 with the purpose of promoting the book as a work of art. Since, this unique entity has endeavoured to bring together book artists and fine press printers from around the world to foster dialogue between new and old conceptions, and to encourage urgent conversations about the fate and future of the book as a unique art form that is indispensable to mankind.
In 2007, the CODEX Foundation organized the first edition of its International Book Art Fair & Symposium in Berkeley, aimed at practitioners, scholars, curators, collectors, students, as well as representatives of associated crafts, such as bookbinders and boxmakers, calligraphers and lettering artists, papermakers and paper decorators, type foundries, toolmakers, and book art suppliers. Celebrating this year its tenth edition, this biennial fair also welcomes institutions and organisations dedicated to preserving and promoting all aspects of the field, as well as all enthusiasts of the art of the book.
Les éditions Leal Torres at the CODEX book fair
Les éditions Leal Torres wished to participate in this major international event to meet book professionals from around the world. This first outing outside of Europe would provide an opportunity to meet key players in the book industry, including representatives of major institutional collections such as the libraries of leading American universities, and public collections.
To celebrate the participation of les éditions Leal Torres in the CODEX book fair, a unique book was created in co-publication with the Atelier du Livre d’Art & de l’Estampe of the Imprimerie Nationale (IN Groupe): Powers of the Book. This limited-edition bilingual book, featuring contributions from Louise Bescond and Pierre-Marc de Biasi, is a celebration of the printed book and a reflection on its importance in the age of technological revolutions that are transforming our understanding of the preservation and transmission of knowledge.
The adventure begins at CDG airport
After months of planning and preparation, our team met at Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport on the morning of Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Excitment was thigh as we prepared for the first leg of this great adventure: a 12-hour flight to California.
Upon arrival at San Francisco, as we stepped out of the airport, we were immediately struck by the warmth of the radiant sun and the gentle sea air. Without even thinking about resting after the long journey, we dropped off our suitcases at the hotel and set off to explore this mythical city. Discovering the cable cars and Fisherman's Wharf, admiring the architecture and the preparations for the 60th Super Bowl, which was to take place that same weekend in the San Francisco Bay Area, we felt completely transported!
After a few hours of walking, we shared a delicious dinner and were ready to end this wonderful first day.
Presentation at the Alliance française of San Francisco
We woke up to a glorious day. Wanting to take full advantage of the beautiful weather (20°C in February!), we went to Crissy Field to admire the Golden Gate Bridge in all its splendor. We spent a few hours in the magnificent Presidio Park before exploring the charming Pacific Heights neighborhood.
In the early afternoon, we began preparations for our presentation planned for the evening. Organized by the Alliance Française of San Francisco and the CODEX Foundation, this event would be our first opportunity to present our books in the United States, and to meet French people and Francophiles living in California.
Around 5:30 p.m., the participants gathered for a cocktail reception. It was so moving to meet the audience and to discuss rare and fine books. Around 6:00 p.m., our bilingual presentation began.
Priscillia, founder and director of les éditions Leal Torres, presented her vision of the profession of publisher before presenting the five books published by her publishing house: Le Gardeur de troupeaux, Les Cygnes Sauvages, Für Ingeborg Bachmann, Le Hautbois de Delphes and Powers of the Book.
To illustrate the scope of the work and the number of people involved in creating one of our books, we held a preview screening of a 20-minute short documentary that follows the creation of our upcoming publication, Comment naît un livre ? For over a year, filmmaker François Goizé followed the creation of this book about books, produced in co-publication with the Atelier du Livre d’Art & de l’Estampe of the Imprimerie Nationale (IN Groupe), to capture in images the passion of the writers, artists, and craftspeople dedicated to the printed book!
The event concluded with a discussion among the participants. We were absolutely delighted to meet so many book lovers and to exchange ideas about the importance of continuing to produce and celebrate books in a rapidly changing world.
At the heart of the CODEX book fair
February 7, 2026 marked the start of the CODEX Book fair, which was held at the Oakland Convention Center. Approximately 250 exhibitors from around the world gathered for this biennial event. We were delighted to see many fellow French publishers there, including Éditions Virgile, Éditions Verdigris, Éditions Les Livres Sont Muets, Carole Texier, Motoko Tachikawa, Pré Nian Press, Studio Parme Baratier, and many others.
The four days of the fair were filled with encounters and discoveries. We were delighted to be able to showcase our work to lovers of books, paper, bookbinding, and fine crafts. Visiting the tables of artists, printers, artisans, and institutions was also very inspiring. Thousands of enthusiasts and professionals had gathered for the love of books, and we were so moved to be part of this celebration.
'Till we meet again!
It was a privilege for us to discover the work of other enthusiasts and to exchange ideas with booksellers, collectors, and bibliophiles. Our team was delighted with its experience at this tenth edition of the International Biennial CODEX Book Art Fair & Symposium, and we hope to have the opportunity to participate in the next edition of this wonderful event: it's just a goodbye, 'till we meet again, CODEX!
