Rare Books & Manuscripts

Modern bindings also fetch significant prices, such as Pierre Legrain’s binding for the copy of “Nuits de Paris” by Francis Carco, sold for 20,000 euros, or the binding by Cretté for the copy of “Cantique des Cantiques” by Schmied, sold for 39,000 euros. Our auctions feature ancient books, modern illustrated works, artist books, prints, manuscripts, autograph letters, and we work with unparalleled experts in their fields and a large database of loyal buyers at Aguttes.

Assigning value: first approach

Our sellers generally possess several books, and in some cases, a complete library. At their request, we provide estimates for a list of books. However, the most effective method is to schedule an appointment for a home visit to select items that will be sold individually or in lots. Seeing the entire book collection allows us to determine if it belongs to an informed bibliophile or if it consists mainly of books collected for decorative purposes.

Ancient documents need to be sorted before being sold. For an ancient book, the first step is to examine the title page, which reveals essential information (title, author, publisher, and year of publication). If the book includes a dedication, inscription, or ex-libris, these elements add value. The condition of the binding is also important; it should be in good condition and, in the case of modern books, may be signed. The overall quality, even in a 300- or 400-year-old book, matters. An estimate can only be considered definitive after collation, an examination that ensures the book has the correct number of pages and is complete with its illustrations, etc.

The domain of autograph letters and manuscripts is vast, encompassing ancient historical documents such as charters, papal bulls, or administrative papers, as well as letters or manuscripts from writers, musicians, historians, painters, actors, and scientists. Some authors stir great passions, such as Charles Baudelaire, Arthur Rimbaud, Marcel Proust, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Cézanne, Picasso, Mozart, Beethoven, Einstein, Napoleon, Joséphine, to name a few.

Many attics hold parchment documents with royal signatures, but they are often administrative papers kept through generations and have little value. The expertise focuses first on the author and then on the content. For autograph letters or important correspondences, the author’s name and signature, as well as the content of the letter, are crucial for estimation. A letter from the painter Auguste Renoir discussing one of his paintings will have a different value at an auction than a simple dinner invitation. The rarity of a letter on the market, such as a letter from the poet Arthur Rimbaud, can fetch a high price due to his early death. However, only the knowledge and keen eye of an expert can recognize the authenticity of handwriting and examine the paper to ensure it is not a facsimile. Another added value is the uniqueness of an autograph letter or correspondence.

Good to know: Our Rare Books & Ancient Manuscripts department organizes two auctions per year in Paris and online.

Our specialist is available to appraise your assets and provide you with professional expertise and advice for selling or investing. Discover our sales calendar and our offices.

The auction house possesses a unique communication power and provides sellers with modern and targeted tools for effective international exposure. We pay particular attention to the production of the sales catalog, whether in print or entirely digital format, both in its design and content. During our campaigns, we mobilize buyers from our portfolio in all specialties and identified potential buyers. We communicate with them through various channels: online and offline advertisements, social media, email marketing, media, influencers, and auction platforms, with tailored and high-quality materials: images, text, and videos…

The components of a library

From incunables to modern illustrated books, from manuscripts to first editions with autograph dedications from great literary figures, you will find your treasure at the heart of our auctions.

An incunable is a book printed before 1500.

Ancient books, published before 1851, refer to rare books, some of which are precious. Their value is determined by several criteria: the author and the work itself, the rarity of the edition, the quality of the book, and the condition of the binding. An autograph dedication or prestigious provenance can also add value.

An atlas is a collection of geographical maps of the same format and binding, which developed in the 16th century; these volumes illustrate the world’s vision at a given time. The two most sought-after names are Ortelius and Mercator.

An autograph dedication is a handwritten message written by the author on one of their books. Usually addressed to a loved one or a colleague, signed or not, it is even more prestigious and valuable if accompanied by a drawing, on a first edition or a little-known text from their early years.

A first edition is the first printing, the first impression of a work. It is sometimes printed on so-called “deluxe” paper for the head edition and numbered. Signed by the author, it becomes even more sought-after. There is also the term “pre-original edition” when the text has been partially published, or “princeps edition” for the first edition of an author who lived before the invention of printing.

A modern illustrated book is generally a known or famous work to which illustrations by renowned illustrators (such as Cocteau) or artists (such as Matisse, Chagall) have been added.

Various expressions, such as paperback, vellum, calf, morocco, chagrin, full, half, or stamped, can qualify a binding and increase its value.

As Mallarmé said, “The world is made for achieving a beautiful book.” We accompany you to achieve the most beautiful collection.

Ancient paper collections. This generic term encompasses various collections, large and small, which have particularly developed in recent years and have become major specialties: ancient and modern prints, isolated or in collections; advertising posters, photographs, ancient popular or religious imagery.

You will also find philately, which is the research and study of vintage postage stamps issued in all countries around the world since their first use (1840 in Great Britain, 1849 in France, etc.).