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DEPARTMENT OF BOOKS AND MANUSCRIPTS
Appraisal and sale of literary treasures
The books and manuscripts department is a key player in the field of appraising rare old books and manuscripts. We specialize in the evaluation, sale, and expertise of exceptional pieces that are the pride of collectors and bibliophiles. Whether you're seeking an appraisal of ancient books, our team of experts is at your disposal to evaluate your literary treasures and guide you through every step of the sale process.
Appraisal of religious books: Treasures of spiritual and historical heritage
One of the department's areas of expertise is religious works. Rare pieces like the Gutenberg Bible or illuminated Books of Hours are perfect examples of volumes sought by collectors worldwide. With our deep market knowledge, we offer appraisals for religious books of spiritual, historical, and bibliographic value.
Classical literature: Appraisal of rare books and first editions
First editions of major literary works hold a privileged place in our sales. Titles like The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer or the first editions of Don Quixote are essential pieces in the finest libraries. In French literature, we have first editions of Les Misérables by Victor Hugo and Notre-Dame de Paris. These monumental works, whose first editions are highly sought after, are testament to the literary genius of the 19th century. The first edition of Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert, published in 1857, is a flagship work, with consistent demand from collectors. Other works like Les Fleurs du mal by Charles Baudelaire or Candide by Voltaire, in their first editions, are indisputable classics of French literature. For classical literature enthusiasts, we offer an appraisal service for libraries, taking into account the importance of the edition and rarity. Our expertise in evaluating ancient books enables us to provide precise and tailored appraisals for your precious works.
Scientific notes and exploration: Appraisal of natural history and scientific works
In the scientific domain, several great names from the history of French science have made lasting impacts, and their works are among the most sought after. Works by Buffon, such as his Histoire naturelle, are classics in this field. René Descartes' Discourse on the Method or writings by Louis Pasteur are also highly esteemed by collectors. The Encyclopédie by Diderot and d'Alembert remains a cornerstone of 18th-century knowledge, and its first editions continue to attract lovers of ancient books. If you own a book on these themes, our team specializes in appraising ancient books and will guide you in determining the value of your significant works.
Artistic works and rare editions: Appraisal of collectible books
Illustrated books play an important role in our book sales. First editions of Perrault's Fairy Tales, illustrated by artists like Jean-Baptiste Oudry, or editions of La Fontaine's Fables illustrated by Édouard Manet, are particularly sought after. Another example is Les Chants de Maldoror by Comte de Lautréamont, with editions illustrated by symbolist artists, making them unique collector's items. The first prints of The Fables by Jean de La Fontaine, in their illustrated editions, are also highly coveted collectible books. These works combine literary history and visual art, and our team is here to help you assess their value.
Jules Verne and Hetzel editions: Appraisal of rare and bound works
Hetzel editions of Jules Verne's novels, such as Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea or Around the World in Eighty Days, are among the most sought-after by collectors. These books, published by Pierre-Jules Hetzel, stand out for their beautiful leather bindings and color illustrations. Additionally, works like Sans dessus dessous and The Children of Captain Grant are essential pieces for bibliophiles. Each edition of a Jules Verne work has a particular value depending on the condition of the book and its publication year. As specialists in Jules Verne appraisals, we assess these rare editions and offer advice on how to sell them at our auctions.
Exceptional bindings: Appraisal of handcrafted bound books
Exceptional bindings signed by masters such as Gruel, Lortic, or Derôme represent treasures in the world of book arts. These high-value pieces are especially coveted by collectors. If you own a book with exceptional binding quality, our department offers binding appraisal services and can guide you through the sale of your artistic treasures.
Historical manuscripts: Appraisal of rare and precious documents
Manuscripts, whether letters from Napoleon Bonaparte, emblematic documents from famous figures, or writings by intellectuals like Jean Cocteau, are pieces of history with invaluable worth. If you're seeking an appraisal of manuscripts, our experts will help you properly assess the rarity and importance of your documents, maximizing their value during sale.
Comics and original artwork: Appraisal of graphic collectibles
The department also focuses on comics and original artwork, which have been rising in prominence among collectible books. Series like Tintin or Asterix, along with original artwork by artists such as Hergé and Uderzo, are now highly sought after by graphic art collectors. If you have a comic or original artwork to sell, we offer a precise appraisal of these unique items.
Books illustrated by artists: Appraisal of works combining literature and art
Books illustrated by renowned artists such as Henri Matisse, Marc Chagall, or Salvador Dalí are rare treasures. These books, which combine art and literature, are highly prized by collectors and feature in prestigious sales. We offer appraisals of illustrated books that take into account the artistic value of the illustrations and the rarity of the book, providing a thorough and accurate evaluation of these exceptional pieces.
Our strengths in appraising your ancient books
Our auction house is renowned for appraising ancient books, whether they are rare literary works, historical manuscripts, illustrated books, or limited editions. Our team of experts is at your service, using their knowledge to accurately assess the value of your treasures and help you sell them at the fairest price. Whether you're an experienced collector or a novice in the world of old books, we will guide you through every step of the sale process, from book appraisal to the auction of your rare pieces.
For a remote appraisal request, you can fill out the online form.
To have your treasures appraised, consult the calendar for expert appraisal days or contact us.
