-
France’s top literary prize 2024 awarded to author Kamel Daoud
The Prix Goncourt is widely seen as France’s version of the Nobel prize for literature
-
MAP: Offshore sites identified for new wind farms in France
President Macron has made the expansion of wind generated energy a priority
-
Important changes for drivers in central Paris from November 4
A 5.5 km2 zone in the centre will now have traffic limitations in place
Books of French President Mitterand sell for €1.5m
The books and some writings belonging to former French President François Mitterrand have been sold at auction for €1.5 million, including some lots that went for tens of thousands of euros each.
The sale, which took place from 29-30 October, has been deemed a great success, pulling in three times’ the amount than previously estimated.
One lot - an edition of Hommes de Bonne Volonté by Jules Romains - went for €41,600 including fees. The works Comme Le Temps Passe by Robert Brasillach, and De Gaulle by François Mauriac - went for €31,200 each.
Some of the books were signed by their author.
The sale was organised by Paris auction house Piasa, and included thousands of works of literature from the 20th century, many of which were original editions.
Since the death of President Mitterrand in 1996, the collection had been the property of his oldest son, Gilbert. Some of the books were presented by Danielle Mitterrand, the President’s wife.
The sales were made in front of large audiences, with many bidders reportedly competing for the most historical, symbolic editions.
Other high-sellers included Notre Jeunesse by Charles Péguy (€29,900) and L'Amant de la Chine du Nord by Marguerite Duras (€23,400).
President Mitterrand was the longest-serving French head of state ever, and was in office from 1981 to 1995.
Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France