French publisher Hachette Libre has agreed to allow Google Books to scan tens of thousands of their french language books. The deal comes after years of work by Google to get U.S. publishers to scan their materials since 2005.
Hachette said it will make these e-books available to the Bibliothèque Nationale de France as well as other libraries to "contribute to the advancement of French culture." PCMag
So, Google, could not get what you wanted here in America so you saunter off to be with your French hussy, huh? I get it. Good for you. All the best things are French. Maids. Kissing. Fries. But when I think technological revolutions of the modern age, I don't think France. This is a place that will not allow
new words to be created without Frenching them up. That in itself is backwards, having to use old rules on new things. Hell, Google, don't worry with the scanning. Just hit the translate button and go about your day.
I have to point out that I have been to Paris and greatly enjoyed my time there. The people were kind and supportive of the goofy American kid on holiday and I hope no one is offended by the whole "cheese-eating surrender monkey" thing. The title of this post is a gentle jab because, quite honestly, that is one of the best phrases in the English language. Just say it out loud without smiling. I dare you.
In my attempt to offend every country I can, here's this news story: the Berlin library is giving back the books stolen by looting Nazi's in WWII. The plundered lootz include an 1883 English language copy of the Communist Manifesto, possibly owned by Friedrich Engels, which is just funny as all hell. If you don't get why, learn your history.