Books & Manuscripts

“What I particularly love about old books and manuscripts is their intimate connection to what has been read or written, owned or loved. The book, an object of passion, can also become a true work of art in its own right when the text is elevated by illustration or binding.”

Sophie Perrine

A Prestigious Assignment

In 2017, Aguttes was chosen to orchestrate the sales of the formidable and immense collection of books and manuscripts amassed by Aristophil. After five years, the total sales amount has reached over €108 million, with 335 preemptions, numerous records, three lots classified as National Treasures, and a series of catalogs that will mark the history of the profession.

This experience has strengthened our position in the market and enriched our collector base worldwide. With this expertise, we can target our clientele for a 13th-century book of hours, a 17th-century atlas, a first edition of Marcel Proust, a book illustrated by Pablo Picasso, a musical manuscript by Stravinsky, or a letter from Charles Baudelaire.

The highest auction remains the theory of relativity by Albert Einstein and Michele Besso, which fetched €11.7 million in 2021.

Modern bindings achieve remarkable results, such as Pierre Legrain's binding for Francis Carco's Les Nuits de Paris, which sold for €20,000, or Cretté's binding for Schmied's Cantique des Cantiques, which sold for €39,000. Our sales feature rare books, modern illustrated books, artist books, prints, manuscripts, and autographed letters, working with unmatched experts in their field and a broad base of loyal buyers.

Evaluating Value : The First Approach

Sellers typically have multiple books or even an entire library. We provide estimations based on a list of works at their request. However, the most effective method is to schedule an appointment to select items at home for sale individually or in lots. Seeing the entire collection helps determine if it belongs to a discerning bibliophile or if the library's primary purpose is decorative.

Old documents need to be sorted before being sold. For any book, even an old one, the first step is to examine the title page, which reveals key information (title, author, publisher, and year of publication). Any dedication, inscription, or ex-libris adds value. The binding is also crucial; it should be in good condition and may be signed (especially for modern works). The overall quality matters, even for books 300 or 400 years old. A definitive estimate can only be provided after collation, ensuring the book has the correct number of pages and is complete with its illustrations.

The Vast Domain of Autograph Letters and Manuscripts

This domain includes historical documents like charters, papal bulls, or administrative papers; letters or manuscripts from writers, musicians, historians, painters, actors, and scientists. Certain authors stir passion, such as Charles Baudelaire, Arthur Rimbaud, Marcel Proust, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Cézanne, Picasso, Mozart, Beethoven, Einstein, Napoleon, Josephine, to name a few.

Many attics are filled with parchment documents signed by kings, often administrative papers kept over the years that hold little market value. Expertise focuses first on the author, then the content. For important autograph letters or correspondences, the author's name and signature, as well as the letter's content, are crucial for valuation. A letter from painter Auguste Renoir discussing one of his paintings is more valuable at auction than a simple dinner invitation. Market rarity also plays a role; a letter from poet Arthur Rimbaud fetches a high price due to his early death. Only an expert's keen eye can authenticate handwriting and, by examining the paper, ensure it's not a facsimile. Another value factor is the uniqueness of an autograph letter or correspondence.

Aguttes: a renowned communication powerhouse to auction your rare books & ancient manuscripts

The auction house offers a unique communication strategy and provides sellers with modern, targeted tools to ensure effective international exposure. We pay particular attention to the production of our auction catalogues, both in their design and content, whether in print or fully digital format. During our marketing campaigns, we engage buyers from our extensive client base across all specialties, as well as identified potential buyers. We reach out to them through multiple channels—online and offline advertising, social media, email campaigns, media coverage, influencers, and auction platforms—using high-quality and tailored content, including images, text, and video.

Free and confidential valuations of rare books & ancient manuscripts

Our experts travel throughout France and across Europe, working in collaboration with our regional offices to carry out valuations and appraisals of your items. Ahead of an appointment, you may also submit a valuation request by sending a description, photographs, and any available documentation related to the book via the online valuation form, or directly by email to our specialist.

Discover our auction calendar and offices.

Good to know: Our Rare Books & Ancient Manuscripts department organizes 3 to 4 auctions per year in Paris.

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