From tales of chivalry to the works of La Pléiade poets, including writings by Montaigne, Rabelais, Marot, and Villon, this compilation encompasses not only exceptionally rare works printed in Gothic characters in French but also original editions and collective editions of French literature. Most of these copies are precious editions, enriched by prestigious provenances, offering a unique opportunity to collectors and literature enthusiasts. 

Jean Bourdel, a passionate and enlightened collector, embodies, through the meticulous assembly of his library, a true homage to French literature of the 16th century. Passed down through generations within the Bourdel family, this collection bears witness to a lasting fascination with renowned names alongside lesser-known figures but equally valued by enthusiasts. The June 19th sale promises to unveil long-forgotten copies, thus writing a new chapter in the history of bibliophilia. Each sale, meticulously orchestrated, will be segmented into three distinct categories: Gothic impressions, poetry, and prose, providing a rich and diverse exploration of this treasure. 

The sale will pay tribute to precious Gothic impressions in French, as well as chivalric romances, historical works, and works of civilization that captured attention from the advent of printing until the mid-16th century. Spread over the three sessions planned by Artcurial, these works will be presented alphabetically. The first sale will thus offer works classified from A to E.

These chivalric romances will be accompanied by works dedicated to courtly love and popular literature, as well as rare booklets offering advice on civility, most of which are known to exist in only a few copies.

The illustrious members of La Pléiade also hold a prominent place within the Jean Bourdel library. The section dedicated to poetry will thus highlight the works of Pierre de Ronsard, including the extremely rare first collective edition of Les Œuvres dating from 1560, as well as the original rare edition of Les Amours. 

To conclude this exceptional sale, the final part will be dedicated to prose works. It will showcase the first five editions of Michel de Montaigne's Essais, including the original edition from 1580. This session will also offer works by Béroalde de Verville, Étienne Dolet, Charles Estienne, Gabriel de Minut, as well as the Project du livre intitulé De la precellence du langage François by printer and philologist Henri Estienne.

The sales of Jean Bourdel’s library will be a unique opportunity for collectors to acquire rare editions of works by François Rabelais, Pierre de Ronsard, Clément Marot, Marguerite de Navarre, François Villon, or Ambroise Paré, thus adding precious chapters to their own literary collections.