Famed French Publisher Opens Its First Texas Bookstore in River Oaks District

French publisher Assouline, creator of The Impossible Collection of books, has opened its first Texas boutique in River Oaks District, with a curated collection of  100 titles covering architecture, art, design, fashion, gastronomy and travel. Known for passion and craftsmanship and the process of creation, Assouline hallmarks include hand-binding, luxurious papers and hand-tipped photographs and works of art.

In this vein, the new Houston store will be the only place in Texas to acquire Versailles: From Louis XIV to Jeff Koons Special Edition, $4,900. Signed by the author Catherine Pegard, president of the Chateau de Versailles, this very exclusive book is presented in a velvet clamshell with a sculpted medallion of Louis XIV on the front of the case. The book is limited to 100 copies and will include with each purchase, a private tour of Versailles led by a palace curator, including rooms not open to the public.

In an effort to preserve the historical grandeur and beauty of Versailles, Assouline will donate 25 percent of each special-edition book to the Château de Versailles. And to keep this treasure pristine, curatorial white gloves are included. Additional Assouline books range from $95 to $995.

Assouline, River Oaks District, 4444 Westheimer.