Histories
Mystères & Obsessions
From Pauline Darley & Da Coffee Time
Isn’t history more interesting when you know its little stories?
Histories – Mystères et Obsessions
Photographer and sciptwritter Pauline Darley has always enjoyed learning more about history and the people who make it up. She believes that knowing the little stories of these characters means getting to know them better, and deciphering history in a deeper, more human way. That’s how the Histories were born, this historical and cultural event, born of Pauline Darley’s desire to share the stories that fascinate her in an entertaining way.
First shared on social networks, histories are now coming to life in our books. This comic strip, brilliantly illustrated by Da Coffee Time, tackles the mysteries and obsessions of emblematic characters: Sissi the Empress, L’inconnue de la Seine, Agatha Christie, and Louis XIV. A journey through history!
Sissi
Germany, 19th century
The beautiful Elizabeth “Sissi” is a member of the ruling family of Bavaria, Germany. She mourned her first love, who died of tuberculosis at the age of 14. Married against her will and abused by her mother-in-law, the Archduchess of Austria, Sissi developed all kinds of disorders and obsessions: depression, anxiety, eating disorders…
How did this empress considered the most beautiful woman in Europe, become a shadow of her former self, obsessed by a lost youth
L’inconnue de la Seine
Paris, 19th century
A young girl is found dead in the Seine, looking sleepy and peaceful. No one knows her identity or the circumstances of her death.
A fascination grows around this sweet, anonymous face, which exudes a mysterious aura.
“An enigmatic beauty, a smile in death, as if nothing could touch it.”
Who is l’Inconnue de la seine? What is her story? Why is she so famous?
Agatha Christie
England, 20th century
Agatha Christie, the genious author, disappeared in 1926 for 11 full day. When she was found in an hotel at 4 hours from home, she said she remembered nothing about her disappearance, her husband or her daughter.
Could the Queen of Crime have orchestrated her own disappearance to put herself in the shoes of the characters in her novels?
Was it a sophisticated staging or a genuine voluntary disappearance?
Louis XIV
Versailles, 17th century
Louis XIV, king of the divine monarchy, reigned for 72 years and 3 month, making him the longest reign of a French King.
Yet it was no easy task. Throughout his life, he suffered from a succession of health problem: illnesses, infections and chronic pain. His longevity and his capacity to overcome so many medical battles remain fascinating mysteries.
How did the immortal man live to be 76 years old with such chaotic health? Why was he called the miracle incarnate?
Pauline Darley
Pauline Darley (scriptwriter) is a french photograph and the creator of #passionchateau. With a great sensitivity to literature and history, she is driven by a quest for beauty and intimacy. Alongside her work as a photographer, she shares on her social networks her love of heritage through visits to exhibitions, museums and emblematic historical sites.
Latest publication: Des châteaux pas comme les autres published by éditions Hachette Tourisme.
Photo ©Maxime Stange
Da Coffee Time
Da Coffee Time (Designer) has been an illustrator since 1998. He lives in south-west France. Attracted by urban scenes and the atmosphere that emanates from them, he has been immersed in skate culture since childhood.
Always ready to seize the moment, he often sketches on the spot, during his travels or in his spare time.
Latest publication: Coven, published by Dupuis.
“Isn’t history more interesting when you know its little stories?
10 years ago, during a guided tour of the Château de Versailles, an anecdote about the Sun King’s health caught my attention so much that I wanted to pull out this thread to investigate: how could this king with such chaotic health have lived so long and left such a mark on his era?It was when I shared these discoveries with my friends, and saw them so captivated, that I realized I could create crossroads between history, pop culture, art and heritage.
I’m not a historian, I’m just passionate. An enthusiast who loves to share.
Every time, it’s the same ritual: I start my exploration with a detail that catches my eye: what’s the link between the Surrealists and the Jane Doe of the Seine? When she disappeared, did Agatha Christie think she was in an Agatha Christie novel?
There are so many stories that we don’t know much about, yet which are nonetheless fascinating.
In this book, I’d like to tell you four episodes that I hope will make you want to explore as I did: for example, to know Sissi’s obsessions is to understand the existence of her gymnastics studio in her apartments at the Hofburg in Vienna.
These stories are back doors into history.
I’m delighted to be able to share my passion here: very happy reading to you!”
Pauline Darley, scriptwriter
We are talking about Histories …
“Histories : A fun way to learn about history
with magnificent drawings!
Lola, columnist on VL Média
“It’s a really fascinating comic about all the little stories within stories. It’s a comic not to be missed”.
Sandra Marconi, columnist for Les Matins LCI
“If you love history, this is the book for you. In a humorous tone, Pauline Darley introduces us to anecdotes which, for my part, were completely unknown to me”.
Nathi Lit content creator on Instagram
«Short stories,
great history»
Yonne Mag
“These short stories, richly documented, offer us a different view of history, a better understanding of these figures, full of secrets.
I learned, I laughed, I was surprised… and all through Da Coffee Time’s colourful illustrations. A delightful and interesting book.
And the little extra is all the recommendations for books, films, podcasts and so on, so that I can go further. if you wish.
L’apprentie lectrice, content creator on Instagram
“This handsome book stands out for its original approach and refined illustrations, offering an interesting introduction to the little-known facets of these four illustrious figures of the past.”
Bd après bd, content creator on Instagram
Flip Through of Histories :
