As part of its participation in the 32nd edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT), Clavreuil, the renowned French library, presents an array of its rarest artefacts. Among its unique collection stands the book of Pierre Gourdelle, one of the most valuable ornithology books globally and the first French book documenting the world of birds at an estimated value of AED 11 million.

Gourdelle's book is a historical heritage composition and a scientific and artistic wonder. As a mid-sixteenth-century album of watercolours, it consists of 50 sheets carrying 60 drawings of various bird species prevalent in Europe and beyond during that era. The book transports visitors back to the French Renaissance with its natural vintage French calf leather covers adorned with glittering golden embellishments arranged in harmonious patterns of luxury, all preserved in a modern clam-shell box of green Morocco leather.

Clavreuil's participation in this year's ADIBF witnesses more than 20 pieces aiming at enriching visitors' knowledge of French culture and history through a wide array of rare exhibits. This participation contributes to building bridges of communication between cultures and fostering knowledge exchange between the Western and Middle Eastern worlds.

In its commitment to unfolding the pages of global arts and cultures, ADIBF offers a leading platform for the world's greatest publishing houses and libraries to display their rare and valuable collections. This opportunity allows visitors to engage with a myriad of global cultures and interact with their artistic and literary displays to enhance their knowledge of other civilisations throughout different eras. Though these times have passed, their legacy continues to live, shaping the narrative of today and the future.