Le Monde - The World - the most prestigious French newspaper, turned 70 last December. It was created in 1944, after the liberation of France.

In 1976, photographer Abbas spent two days photographing all its activities, starting from the early morning conference where, by tradition, editors stand up. There were no computers in those days, stories were written by hand and then typed by secretaries. A pool of editors worked on them.

Editors, including the director, went down in the composing room, often with the journalist concerned, for a final check on the story set in letter type made out of lead. The page was then turned into a metal cylinder which would feed the rotary press.

This world has now disappeared, replaced by electronics. The newspaper was and is still out at 13:00hrs.