Rare and Precious Books: Our Works from 200 Euros and Up

What makes a book rare

Rarity is not the same as age. A book becomes valuable when several qualities converge: the first edition of an important text, a copy from the first pull on Japanese, Dutch or vellum paper, a period binding or a binding signed by a major workshop, illustrations by a sought-after artist with their suites, an author’s inscribed copy, or a distinguished provenance evidenced by an ex-libris. Imprints from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, atlases and plate books, manuscripts and autograph letters complete the picture. Finally, condition is everything: for the same edition, a fresh, complete and unrestored copy is incomparably more valuable than a worn one.

What you will find in this selection

Our stock includes several dozen books in this price range, spanning all our departments: 19th- and 20th-century literature in first editions, surrealism, history and militaria, travel, religion and philosophy, science, fine books and bindings, manuscripts and early photographs. The grid above presents them in descending price order, highlighting the most important pieces currently available. The Rare Books section offers another thematic view.

How we describe these books

For a book of this calibre, the listing must allow you to judge it without seeing it in person. We provide the publisher, place and date as given on the title-page, format, collation (number of pages, plates and maps), binding and its condition, defects (foxing, damp-stains, repairs, losses) and justification of the print run when known. Inscriptions and provenance are transcribed. If any detail is missing or you would like to see a specific feature (spine, headbands, title-page, particular plate), email us via the contact page: we will send additional photographs before any purchase.

Buying with confidence

Payment is securely processed on the site by card or PayPal, or by bank transfer and cheque if you prefer. Items are carefully packed and sent with tracking. You have fourteen days to return any book that does not match its description. We also buy rare books: the Sell and Value Your Books page explains how to submit a book or library to us.

To go further

Our guide How to appraise an antiquarian book details the criteria of value; Collectible antiquarian books presents the major fields. The file Original editions and presentation copies explains the justification of the print run and large papers. The pages André Breton, Marcel Proust and Jean-Jacques Rousseau bring together three authors whose important copies frequently appear in this selection; the Manuscripts, autographs and photographs section and the Fine books, art and bindings section complete the visit.