Michel Lévy (1821–1875) was the founder of the Michel Lévy Frères publishing house. Born in Phalsbourg, he was the son of a colporteur (a peddler of printed publications). In 1836, aged fifteen, he opened a reading cabinet and a "theatrical library" in Paris, rue Marie-Stuart, under the name Michel Lévy frères, but at first acting alone. In 1842 he moved the business to .In 1845, he did involve his brothers, Calmann and Nathan. Nathan would retire from the business in 1850. He edited various dramatic works, including collections such as la bibliothèque dramatique, le théâtre contemporain illustré, and most notably the successful collection Michel Lévy in 1856. Financial success allowed him to open a grand book-store at rue Auber.