The Library

The components of a library

From incunabula to modern illustrated books, from manuscripts to first editions enriched with autographed inscriptions by great literary figures, you will find your treasure in the heart of our auctions.

An incunabulum is a book printed before 1500.

Antique books, published before 1851, refer to rare volumes, some of which are highly valuable. Their worth 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. You may also find an autographed inscription or a prestigious provenance.

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

An autographed inscription is a handwritten message by the author in one of their works. Typically addressed to a friend or colleague, signed or not, it becomes all the more prestigious and interesting if it includes a drawing, appears in a first edition, or relates to an early, lesser-known text.

A first edition is the first printing of a work. It is sometimes printed on special "deluxe" paper for limited editions and numbered. Signed by the author, it becomes even more valuable. A “pre-original” edition refers to texts that were partially published beforehand, while a "princeps" edition refers to the first edition of a work by an author who lived before the invention of the printing press.

The modern illustrated book is typically a renowned or famous work, enhanced by drawings illustrating the text by famous illustrators (Cocteau) or artists (Matisse, Chagall).

Paperback, vellum binding, calf, morocco, shagreen, full, half, with corners, embossed—so many terms can describe a binding and increase its value.

As Mallarmé said, "The world is made to end in a beautiful book." We guide you in building the most beautiful collection.

Antique collectible papers. This generic term encompasses a wide array of collections, both large and small, that have particularly developed in recent years to become major specialties: old and modern prints, either individual or in collections; advertising posters, photographs, and old popular or religious imagery.

You will also find philately, the search for and study of antique postage stamps, issued in all countries since their first use (1840 in Great Britain, 1849 in France...).