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Rare French Books

1957-1962, Rare Georges Braque Au Vent d Arles Archive Books and Lithographs
By Georges Braque
Located in Paris, FR
Extremely rare set of Georges Braque archives maquettes books and lithographs created with the
Category

Vintage 1950s French Modern Books

Materials

Paper

Villas 50 en France by Raphaelle Saint-Pierre, 1st Ed, Rare Hard to Find
Located in valatie, NY
Villas 50 en France by Raphaelle Saint-Pierre, 1st Ed Rare Hard to Find Hardcover with Dust Jacket
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Books

Materials

Paper

Contemporary French Tapestries, rare and collectible coffee table book, 1966
Located in View Park, CA
A very rare and collectible coffee table catalogue: Contemporary French Tapestries: New York
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Books

Materials

Paper

Histoire de Leon Bakst Rare French 1924 Edition #94 of 345 Ballet Russes designs
By Leon Bakst
Located in Glenford, NY
4 kilograms.
 1924. First French Edition Limited to 345 numbered copies, this being No. 94. Large
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Nouveau Books

Materials

Paper

A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy by Mr. Yorick (Laurence Stern)
Located in Middletown, NY
buckram, gilt titling, t.e.g., rest uncut; with RARE RED PRINTED DUST-JACKET, spine slightly sunned and
Category

Early 20th Century English Books

Materials

Gold Leaf

Le moyen de parvenir by François Béroalde de Verville, (1556-1626)
Located in Middletown, NY
Bibliothèque nationale de France, Rare-books division, RES-Y2-2788; identifier: ark:/12148/bpt6k6363210k
Category

Antique 17th Century French Books

Materials

Gold Leaf

Gauguin, Catalogue Raisonné [Wildenstein]
Located in Middletown, NY
Daniel Wildenstein's OWN COPY of the first, limited edition Gauguin Catalogue Raisonée. RARE with
Category

Mid-20th Century French Books

Materials

Paper

Gauguin, Catalogue Raisonné [Wildenstein]
Gauguin, Catalogue Raisonné [Wildenstein]
$2,500
H 12.76 in W 12.88 in D 1.19 in
L Annonciateur by Auguste Villiers de L Isle-Adam – in special Art-Deco binding
Located in Middletown, NY
A rare and stunning binding sculpted in the Art-Nouveau style by Louis Déze, and illustrating the
Category

Early 20th Century French Books

Materials

Gold Leaf

Renée Mauperin by the Goncourt Bros., Original Tissot Etching, Signed
Located in Middletown, NY
A very rare DELUXE copy on Japon paper illustrated by James Jacques Tissot with a second set of
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Books

Materials

Gold Leaf

Recent Sales

Rare 18th Century Series of Twelve Volumes with the Royal Arms of France
Located in Isle sur la Sorgue, Provence
Rare 18th century Series of Twelve Volumes with The Royal Arms of France Rare series of twelve
Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Louis XV Books

Rare Book: Yonel Lebovici, Sculpteur de haut niveau
By Yonel Lebovici
Located in Vienna, AT
-1-3 Perfect condition! Language: French.
Category

Early 2000s French Books

Materials

Paper

1710 C Dragon Lily, Lud. De Chastillon Del. Et Sculp., Master Engraving
Located in Norwich, GB
Dracunulus polyphyllus Etching, burin and hand colouring. Issued in the exceptionally rare
Category

Antique 1710s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Camelia Clowesiana [Camellia], Drawn by J J Jung, Engraved by Oudet, Berlèse
By J. J. Jung
Located in Norwich, GB
camellia ou description et figures des camellia les plus belles et les plus rares peints d'après nature
Category

Antique 1840s French Early Victorian Prints

Materials

Paper

Set of 16 Books on the History of France by Henri Martin
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Rare set of sixteen (16) French books on the History of France by Heni Martin, printed in 1861, the
Category

Antique 19th Century French Other Books

Materials

Leather, Paper

Rare Book-First Edition-Le Fete Marriage Le Dauphin
By Seymour de Ricci, Henri Cohen
Located in New Orleans, LA
Incredible Complete First Edition (1726-1746)of Two Books Bound Together with important Historical
Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Louis XV Books

Materials

Paper

Rare Blotting Paper Case in Silvered Bronze and Porcelain by Maison Tahan
By Tahan Paris
Located in Paris, FR
Rare blotting paper case in dark blue velvet, embellished with an oval? porcelain? medallion
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Books

Materials

Bronze

Set of 18th Century French Leather Bound Books, Les Vies Des Saints, 1715
By Adrien Baillet
Located in Dallas, TX
rare large scale antique French leather books will be a wonderful addition to any library.
Category

Antique Early 18th Century French Books

Materials

Leather, Paper

Rare Pierre Paulin Un Univers De Formes Book
By Pierre Paulin
Located in San Diego, CA
Pierre Paulin: Un Univers De Formes (French Edition) by Anne Chapoutot. This rare hardcover book
Category

1990s French Mid-Century Modern Books

Materials

Paper

Rare Design Book, 1925 Decorative Arts Expo, Paris
Located in Doylestown, PA
, showcasing the works of iconic French designers, furniture makers and architects of the period. Titled
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Books

Materials

Paper

Cocktail Recipes Book by Jean Lupoiu Rare 1948 Edition
By Jean Lupoiu
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rare Jean Lupoiu cocktail book, early edition from 1948. 135 pages of cocktail recipes, some
Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Books

Materials

Paper

Jean-Michel Basquiat - Catalogue Raisonne of Paintings, Rare Book 1996
By Jean-Michel Basquiat
Located in CA, CA
Galerie Enrico Navarra, Paris, 1996. A very rare book and the most comprehensive catalogue of the
Category

1990s French Books

Materials

Paper

Decoration Tradition et Renouveau by Claude Fregnac, Rare First Edition
Located in valatie, NY
dust jacket. 288 pages. Illustrated throughout with mainly color photos and some b&w. With French text
Category

Vintage 1970s French Books

Materials

Paper

Decoration Tradition et Renouveau by Claude Fregnac, Rare First Edition
Located in valatie, NY
dust jacket. 288 pages. Illustrated throughout with mainly color photos and some b&w. With French text
Category

Vintage 1970s French Books

Materials

Paper

"Yves Saint Laurent Mis à nu: Inédits et Portraits Rares–Jeanloup Sieff" 2010
By Jeanloup Sieff 1, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in CA, CA
First edition hardcover, published by Albin Michel, Paris, 2010. ‘Yves Saint Laurent Laid Bare’ A collection of Jeanloup Sieff’s incredibly intimate and unpretentious portraits...
Category

2010s French Books

Rare Pair of 1920s Arts and Crafts Wrought Iron Siamese Fighting Fish Bookends
Located in Lisse, NL
Great pair of artistically crafted figural bookends. Anybody with a love for the Arts and Crafts in general and for Siamese fighting fish in particular, will want to fight over th...
Category

Early 20th Century French Arts and Crafts Books

Materials

Metal, Wrought Iron

Rare French Papier Mâché Books Ends, circa 1930
Located in Austin, TX
Rare French papier mâché books ends in a book form trompe l'oeil, circa 1930. Each book ends is
Category

Vintage 1930s French French Provincial Bookends

Materials

Paper

Rare French Mid-1800s Liquor Tantalus Drinks Box w. Two Stacks of Leather Books
Located in Lisse, NL
Unique double stack of leather books design liquor tantalus with hidden glasses & decanters. If
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Empire Decorative Boxes

Materials

Leather, Paper, Blown Glass

Collection Lescure Extremely Rare Portfolios About Lace
Located in Encino, CA
For collector of lace, embroidery and dentelle. Extremely rare set of two complete portfolios
Category

Vintage 1920s French Books

Materials

Paper

George Barbier, Choderlos De Laclos: Les Liaisons Dangereuses
By George Barbier
Located in New York, NY
slipcase. An exceptionally fine set in original wrappers. Most rare in this condition.
Category

Vintage 1930s French Books

Signed Limited First Edition of Derrière Le Miroir No. 149: Ellsworth Kelly
Located in New York, NY
(printed in both English and French) by Dale McConathy. Note: The limited edition is of vastly superior
Category

Vintage 1960s French Books

James Joyce - Ulysses. First edition, with Joyce inscription
By James Joyce
Located in New York, NY
morocco gilt. Light fold marks to sheet with inscription, otherwise fine. A rare first edition with Joyce
Category

Early 20th Century French Books

Georges Seurat Catalog Raisonne, One of Only 50 Copies
By Georges Seurat
Located in New York, NY
beautiful set. Rare.
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Books

Materials

Paper

Francis Bacon , Limited Edition 1/150, Complete with Six Lithographs
By Francis Bacon
Located in New York, NY
a touch of wear to box and chemise. A beautiful copy. Rare.
Category

Vintage 1960s French Modern Books

Materials

Paper

Brassai the Artists of My Life, with Signed Photo of Matisse
By Brassaï
Located in New York, NY
Rare Deluxe signed limited First edition, one of only 150 copies, Signed and numbered by Brassai
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Books

Rare Calder Folio
By Derriere le Miroir
Located in santa monica, CA
exceedingly rare. The text is all in French including comments by Ferdinand Leger.
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Books

Materials

Ink, Paper

Rare Calder Folio
Rare Calder Folio
W 15 in D 11 in
Rare and Significant Reference Book on Georges Jouve
By Michel Faré
Located in Winnetka, IL
A rare and important early reference book on the life and work of the French ceramist Georges Jouve
Category

Vintage 1960s French Books

Materials

Paper

Rare Simulated "Histoire de l Art" Books Low Table, 1980 France
Located in Madrid, ES
Rare simulated "Histoire de l´art" books low table. With a front drawer, 1980, France.
Category

Vintage 1980s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Very Rare Austrian Biedermeier Cabinet In Walnut
Located in Senden, NRW
, - Shellac French polish. Very rare books cabinet with ebonised transom window Country of Origin
Category

Antique 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Vitrines

Rare Original Louis Vuitton European City Guide, 2000
By Louis Vuitton
Located in New York, NY
. Includes eight European Cities Books covering 33 cities plus the hard cover book holder in orange heavy
Category

Early 2000s French Modern Books

Materials

Paper

Rare Vintage "Les Diners de Gala" Book by Salvador Dali, 1973, First Edition
Located in Washington, DC
Rare vintage "Les Diners de Gala" by Salvador Dali, 1973, first edition.
Category

Vintage 1970s French Books

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Ultimate Collector Cars, Double Volume, Special Edition Book
By C P Fiell, TASCHEN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dreamwheeling. The stories behind 100 of the world’s most coveted automobiles. From the adrenaline-filled 24 Hours of Le Mans to the legendary Goodwood Festival of Speed, Lake Como...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Books

Materials

Paper

Bertil Vallien Fireplace Screen Fireguard Wrought Iron Forged Mid Century 1960s
By Boda Smide AB, Bertil Vallien
Located in Basel, BS
Rare fireplace screen designed by Bertil Vallien in the mid 1960s and produced by Boda Smide. Hand forged iron with well crafted and perfectly proportioned details. Whole length: 8...
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots

Materials

Wrought Iron

Design 1935-1965: What Modern Was Edited by Martin Eidelberg (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
This book offers a unique perspective on the decorative arts of the mid-twentieth century. The first serious book on a period just beginning to be researched by scholars and little k...
Category

20th Century Books

Materials

Paper

Bessarabian Rug, 1810
Located in New York, NY
Bessarabian rug, 1810 Russia, circa 1810 Tapestry woven carpet Imperial Tapestry Factory, St. Petersburg Having an Adamesque central medallion on a warm caramel ground, with swan...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Russian Russian and Scandinavian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Bessarabian Rug, 1810
Bessarabian Rug, 1810
$550,000
W 166 in L 181 in
Umbral Side Table
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Composed of black marble and travertine, this side table contrasts deep darkness with warm neutrality through its varicolored stone segments. The object is balanced by a subtle simpl...
Category

2010s Mexican Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Stone, Onyx, Travertine, Marble

Umbral Side Table
Umbral Side Table
$2,900
H 15.75 in Dm 11.42 in
French Art Deco Commode
Located in Bridgewater, CT
An elegant French Art Deco chest of drawers, veneered in Macassar ebony, with three drawers, silvered bronze trimmings on tapered gadrooned legs, circa 1930.
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Macassar

French Art Deco Commode
French Art Deco Commode
$7,500
H 34 in W 31.5 in D 16.5 in
A large red coral branch from Wunderkammer, Italy 1870.
Located in Milan, IT
This large branch of Mediterranean coral, 'Corallium Rubrum' is mounted on a gilt bronze base. The creation of the vase-shaped base involves various techniques: lost wax casting, mol...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Natural Specimens

Materials

Coral, Bronze

Peggy Guggenheim Art of This Century Book
By Frederick John Kiesler, Max Ernst, Peggy Guggenheim
Located in New York, NY
Catalog of the seminal avant-garde exhibition held at Peggy Guggenheim's Art of This Century Gallery in 1942 and published in an edition of 2500. Edited by Peggy Guggenheim with cont...
Category

Vintage 1940s American Modern Books

Materials

Paper

Peggy Guggenheim Art of This Century Book
Peggy Guggenheim Art of This Century Book
$600
H 10.25 in W 8 in D 0.5 in
Eileen Gray: Objects and Furniture Design (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
by Sandra Dachs, Patricia De Muga & Laura Garcia Hintzo Focuses on Eileen Gray, a breakaway designer in a world dominated by male-centric style schools Besides an introductory essay,...
Category

20th Century Books

Materials

Paper

Eileen Gray: Objects and Furniture Design (Book)
Eileen Gray: Objects and Furniture Design (Book)
$295
H 8.25 in W 6.5 in D 0.63 in
A French 19th-20th Century Ebonized Wood Plated Surtout de Table Centerpiece
By Gianmaria Buccellati
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine French 19th-20th century neoclassical revival style ebonized wood and figural silver plated mounted plateau Surtout de Table centerpiece in the manner of Buccellati. The ...
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Neoclassical Revival Centerpieces

Materials

Wood

Wrightsman Collection, Vols I-V, First Editions, Signed by the Wrightsmans
By Everett Fahy, F.J.B. Watson, Carl C. Dauterman
Located in valatie, NY
The Wrightsman collection, Vols. I-V. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1966-1973. First edition hardcovers with dust jackets. 2248 pp. Inscribed by the Wrightsmans. The comp...
Category

20th Century American Books

Materials

Paper

Pair of Jean Perzel Attributed 1940s Gilt Iron Wall Sconces
By Atelier Jean Perzel
Located in Sharon, CT
A pair of very large (27.5 inches high-exclusive of globes) Gilded Cast Iron (21 lbs. each) Wall Sconces. Not signed or otherwise marked.
Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Iron

Collection Karl Lagerfeld: Arts Decoratifs Du XXe Siecle Sotheby s (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
Sotheby's sale catalogue of the sale of 20th century objets and furniture from the collection of Karl Largerfeld dated 15th May 2003. The catalogue will prove to be of great value as...
Category

20th Century Books

Materials

Paper

The Gem Rug by Sister by Studio Ashby
Located in London, GB
A jewel in coral-like colour combinations, The Gem Rug is made in Bhadohi, India. Hand-dyed and spun from natural wool, it is then knotted by hand, by skilled local weavers. The pile...
Category

2010s Indian Oushak Turkish Rugs

Materials

Wool

The Gem Rug by Sister by Studio Ashby
The Gem Rug by Sister by Studio Ashby
$2,273 / item
W 47.25 in L 70.87 in
Mid-century Modern Judy Bed Designers Guild Handmade in Portugal by Ottiu
Located in RIO TINTO, PT
The Judy Bed is a luxurious tribute to the timeless elegance of Judy Garland. This exquisite piece embodies classic Hollywood glamour and is designed to elevate any bedroom with its ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Textile, Bouclé, Wood

Mid-century Modern Judy Bed Designers Guild Handmade in Portugal by Ottiu
Mid-century Modern Judy Bed Designers Guild Handmade in Portugal by Ottiu
$6,962 Sale Price / item
20% Off
H 43.31 in W 106.3 in D 92.52 in
cc-tapis Chateau Flower Grid Big Rug by Luke Edward Hall
By cc-tapis, Luke Edward Hall
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pure wool jacquard rug with design inspired by 1920s illustrations of jewellery discovered by Luke in a museum's collection. "Our four Chateau Orlando rug designs for cc-tapis are no...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Nepalese Western European Rugs

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Wool

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Rare French Books For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of rare French books for sale on 1stDibs. Each of these unique rare French books was constructed with extraordinary care, often using paper, metal and bronze. Rare French books have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. Rare French books bearing Art Deco or Modern hallmarks are very popular at 1stDibs. Georges Braque, Henri Cohen and Jean Lupoiu each produced beautiful rare French books that are worth considering.

Finding the Right Books for You

Antique and vintage books add a sense of culture and style to any room. Displaying these types of books in your living room or reading nook can warm a space with a distinguished feel.

Several factors make antique books highly desirable. Original jackets, ornate binding, illustrations and quality of the print all contribute to making a vintage book special. Rare books are of great interest to collectors in the know and can command high prices at auction. In 2021, an important early artist book by Andy Warhol sold at auction for more than $106,000. Somewhere between all the commercial work he did as an ambitious young graphic designer in the early 1950s and his first real debut as a Pop artist a decade later, Warhol produced a trove of incredibly charming drawings. His illustrated self-published artist books from the 1950s are very rare.

Many collectors seek the first edition of certain books. Fewer copies of a book and higher demand make it a rare find. A book that contains the author’s signature also makes it much more prized than other examples of the same title.

Collectors and designers decorate rooms with vintage books for a cozy feeling in a home. Coffee-table books, such as those featuring photography and design, serve as conversation pieces or offer a relaxing moment when leafed through.

Interior designers look for vintage books when they want to add color or detail. For instance, leather-bound books can create a scholarly air while mid-century titles offer a modern edge. Vintage international books or first editions can provide a sense of history.

No matter the genre, there is a book for you. You can find rare, one-of-a-kind antique books on 1stDibs. Browse by authors, like celebrated architect and designer Frank Lloyd Wright and Edgar Rice Burroughs, as well as by period, including mid-century modern, Art Deco and Victorian.

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