Guy de Maupassant: early and illustrated editions

First editions

Boule de Suif first appeared in Les Soirées de Médan (1880), a collective volume edited by Zola. The short story collections were then issued by several publishers, including Havard and Ollendorff, in paperback in-12 format. La Maison Tellier dates from 1881: a later, more affordable edition remains a good reading copy. A first edition is identified by its date and, for certain titles, by a numbered issue on large paper.

Illustrated Maupassant

From the late 19th century onwards, publishers issued illustrated Maupassant editions, a practice continued in the 20th century: examples include a Boule de Suif illustrated by Fred Money or a Bel-Ami illustrated by Ghertman. Maupassant also wrote prefaces for classics, including an edition of Manon Lescaut by the Abbé Prévost.

Condition and price

For a paperback volume of the period, a preserved cover, paper free of heavy foxing and an intact spine are essential; a contemporary half-binding is also sought after. In November 2026, our Maupassant titles ranged from approximately £25 to £130.

Frequently asked questions

How to identify a first edition of Maupassant?

Compare the date and publisher on the title-page with the first publication of the collection, and look for a mention of large-paper issue. Mentions of “nouvelle édition” or of one thousand copies indicate a later printing.

Are illustrated editions worth more than first editions?

Not generally, except for a sought-after illustrator or a numbered limited issue. They remain an excellent choice for reading and for a visually pleasing library.

Do you buy Maupassant books?

Yes. The bookseller provides a free estimate from photographs; photograph the binding or spine, the title-page and the collation if any.

To go further

• Gustave Flaubert, Maupassant’s master and friend.
• Alphonse Daudet, collector’s guide.
• First editions and presentation copies.
• Half-binding, Romantic-style boards, publisher’s cloth.
• Selling and valuing your antiquarian books.