Camille Sourget bookshop specializes in buying and selling rare and precious books from the fifteenth to the beginning of the twentieth century and welcomes you in the 6th district of Paris.
OUR BOOK OF THE MONTH
The second collective edition of Rabelais’s Works, published in 1556, the “prettiest and most expensive” of the very first editions of his works.
A passion for literature, beautiful books, travels and human contacts.
Camille Sourget founded her bookshop in 2005 in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, rue du dragon, then moved in 2008 to the address she currently occupies at 93 rue de Seine.
From father to daughter, she represents the second generation of booksellers, following in the footsteps of her father Patrick Sourget who had himself created his bookshop in 1990 a few steps from Chartres Cathedral.
The Librairie Camille Sourget is specialized in literary first editions, natural sciences, travel books and atlases, and all the beautiful illustrated books that marked their time. Its field of expertise extends from the fifteenth to the beginning of the twentieth century.
All of our books are not available on our website, so do not hesitate to contact us for any personalized search.
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You have a lot of questions about the world of antiquarian books and don’t know where to start?
We try to give you some answers here.
What is an antiquarian book?
An antiquarian book is by definition a book that is no longer available in the traditional new book circuit. It is a work that has a particular interest, whether it is its text, the limited edition, the binding or a dedication or an autograph.
Who is a bibliophile?
A bibliophile is "a person who loves, seeks out and preserves rare and precious books with care and taste". The bibliophile has at heart to possess a beautiful collection of books, often following a theme that is dear to him. This can be a classic such as first editions, the entirety of an author's publications, or a given period, but also a more original theme specific to the bibliophile. It is a passion without limits, for our greatest pleasure!
What are the different kinds of bindings?
The three main bindings for antiquarian books are vellum, calf and morocco.
Vellum is the oldest binding, which at the time was a low quality binding. It is a white, soft and thin stillborn calf skin. Vellum bindings appeared in the Middle Ages. Today they are very popular and sought after. Calf binding is a type of smooth leather of high quality (texture, durability, aesthetics). Morocco is the most precious binding because it is very resistant and pleasant to the touch. Made of tanned goat skin, it has an apparent and irregular grain. There are also other types of bindings less common, such as roan, shagreen or Russian leather. Some books are not bound and are then preserved in wrappers. The quires of the book are sewn together and covered with a paper cover.
What are the different formats?
Books are generally rectangular in height, when they are rectangular in width, they are said to be oblong. The size of a book comes from the number of folds of the printing sheet. A sheet folded in two has a folio format, a sheet folded in four has a 4to format, a sheet folded in eight has an 8vo format, ... There are also formats such as 12mo, 16mo, 24mo, ... A book made of whole sheets is called in-plano.
How do I know if my book is valuable?
The value of a book is subjective, but generally speaking, first editions, rare and precious bindings, rare texts, signed or autographed books, acquire a certain value. Time also plays in favor of the old book of course. If you have any doubt, do not hesitate to contact us, we will be delighted to proceed to the estimation of your antiquarian books.
How should I store my antiquarian books?
Antiquarian books should be kept in places that are neither too hot nor too cold, neither too humid nor too dry. Direct sunlight or moonlight should be avoided to prevent the color from fading. Concerning their maintenance, some books can be waxed regularly (mainly morocco or calf leather, but not all types of morocco).
Why collect antiquarian books?
The love of old books of course! The desire to bequeath a quality cultural heritage to one's children can be an additional reason, as well as the perspective of making an "investment", even if this reason is never the first one for antique book lovers. Let's specify on this subject that from a patrimonial point of view, the condition of the books is an essential criterion, and that except in exceptional circumstances, incomplete books or books in bad condition are to be avoided.
Where to buy antiquarian books ?
Without preaching to the choir, buying antiquarian books will always be a much more interesting and satisfying experience if you go to a specialized bookseller. Passionate as you are, these exchanges will be much more enriching, personalized and fruitful than a purchase at auction... We invite you to meet us in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district to advise you and exchange around our precious books!
