The Normandy region combines a considerable medieval heritage, an ancient printing tradition in Rouen, and a generation of writers who made the province a major literary subject. The Norman collection is one of the most consistently sought-after in French regional books.

Our selection of rare books on Normandy

Albrey. Tonkin au Havre. Chine - Japon - Iles Hawaï - Amérique…

49,00€

Normandie Mélanges. Documents published and annotated<span Normandie Mélanges. Documents publiés et annotés …</span></span>

Normandie Mélanges. Documents published and annotated❦ Normandie Mélanges. Documents publiés et annotés…

210,00€

Normandy Cahiers des états de Normandie Reigns of Louis XIII and Louis…

210,00€

Rouen Researches on Public Education in the Diocese of Rouen before 1789❦…

185,00€

Cahiers of the Estates of Normandy under the Reigns of Louis XIII…

257,00€

France SS France French Line. Le Havre / Southampton / New York…

280,00€

Mabire Histoire secrète de la Normandie<span Mabire Histoire secrète de la Normandie</span></span>

Mabire Histoire secrète de la Normandie❦ Mabire Histoire secrète de la Normandie

29,00€

Rouen; summary of its history, its commerce, its industry, its manufactures. 1827❦…

159,00€

foire en basse-normandie restaurants

17,00€

Galry I'm coming to help you, Emile...Normans<span Galry J’viens pour t’aider, Emile…Normands</span></span>

Galry I'm coming to help you, Emile...Normans❦ Galry J’viens pour t’aider, Emile…Normands

17,00€

LE HAVRE X 8 postcards<span LE HAVRE X 8 cartes postales</span></span>

LE HAVRE X 8 postcards❦ LE HAVRE X 8 cartes postales

26,00€

Galry Qué que j'faites là...Normands<span Galry Qué que j’faites là…Normands</span></span>

Galry Qué que j'faites là...Normands❦ Galry Qué que j’faites là…Normands

17,00€

Voir tous les ouvrages disponibles sur Normandie dans le catalogue

Rouen, a city of printing

Rouen began printing as early as the late 15th century and became one of France’s major production centres, particularly for liturgical books and, later, popular peddling literature. The Rouennais Bibliothèque bleue, those small paperback volumes distributed in the countryside, now constitute a distinct collecting field, all the more sought-after as these fragile editions rarely survived.

Norman writers

Corneille was born in Rouen, Flaubert in Rouen as well, Maupassant in the Pays de Caux, and Barbey d’Aurevilly in the Cotentin. Their original editions, the illustrated works derived from them, and the studies devoted to them form a coherent ensemble that collectors often assemble as a series.

Other Norman subjects

History and abbeys: histories of the Dukes of Normandy, monographs on Mont-Saint-Michel, Jumièges, and Caen, works by local scholarly societies.
Seaside resorts: guides and albums of Deauville, Trouville, Cabourg, and Étretat, produced in abundance from the 1850s with the arrival of the railway.
Agriculture and terroir: treatises on cider and livestock, agricultural monographs, departmental almanacs.
World War II: the D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy generated a substantial editorial output, with a constant international readership.

Do you own rare books on Normandy or a library to be appraised?
We provide a free appraisal based on photographs, within 48 business hours, and we purchase libraries throughout France. Request a free appraisal

Appraisal and purchase of rare books in Normandy

We operate across all five departments of Normandy, from Seine-Maritime to Manche.

Photographs of the shelves and then of significant title pages.
Response within 48 business hours, free and non-binding appraisal.
Free on-site visit for significant libraries.

Useful precaution in this region: Norman houses often retain old collections in unfavourable humidity conditions. If you discover affected volumes, do not attempt cleaning or forced drying, which almost always worsen the damage. Photograph the books and seek advice before any intervention.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the value of old guides to Norman seaside resorts?

Their interest lies mainly in the illustrations and period advertisements, which are highly informative. Illustrated albums with lithographs from the mid-19th century are the most sought-after, far more than purely textual guides.

Do you buy libraries in the Manche or Orne departments?

Yes, throughout Normandy. We cover travel expenses for significant collections, after reviewing photographs.

My books have been affected by damp—do they still have value?

This depends on the extent of the damage. Foxing or minor stains reduce value without eliminating it, especially for a rare work. However, do not attempt any treatment yourself: send us photographs, including of the affected areas.

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Old books on Normandy: catalogue, valuation and buyback