How do you authenticate an antiquarian book before purchase?

Every La Librairie Antique listing explicitly mentions the first edition status (E.O. or 1st edition), print run, publication date (colophon), binding type (leather, parchment, gilding), format (12mo, folio, etc.), and detailed condition (foxing, dampstains, repairs if any). We provide multiple high-resolution photos. For items above 500 EUR, a provenance certificate is included when available.

Do you ship to the United States? Will I pay import duties?

Yes. Antiquarian books ship duty-free to the USA under HTS code 9903.01.31 ("informational materials" exception, still valid after the August 2025 de-minimis suspension). Delivery: 7-12 days via Colissimo International tracked, 3-5 days via DHL Express. State sales tax may apply depending on your state (typically 0-9%).

What payment methods do you accept from international buyers?

All major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB), PayPal with Buyer Protection (recommended for non-EU customers), SEPA bank transfer for Europe, and SWIFT international wire for orders above 2000 EUR. Stripe-secured checkout (PCI-DSS Level 1).

What is your return policy?

30-day return window for international buyers. Full refund (including return shipping) if the book does not match our description. Convenience returns: buyer covers return postage, refund issued upon receipt of the book in its original condition.

How can I verify a first edition?

A first edition (often abbreviated E.O. in French) is the first published version of a work. Identifiers: print run statement at the front/back, colophon date, paper and format specifications, reference bibliographies (Vicaire, Carteret for French literature, Sadleir for 19th century English literature). Every listing mentions first edition status explicitly when applicable.

Archives des Letters, old documents

Sorry, this product cannot be purchased.

“Bossuets Predigten über den Tod und Meditationen❦ BOSSUET Sermons sur la mort et méditaions 1921” has been added to your cart. Continue shopping

“1903 Atlas of Basses-Pyrénées by Adolphe Joanne❦ BASSES-PYRENEES 1903 cartes et gravures JOANNE ADOLPHE GEOGRAPHIE DES” has been added to your cart. Continue shopping

“殖民地印度经典短篇集❦ KIPLING (Rudyard).- Simples contes des collines EO” has been added to your cart. Continue shopping

“Boulangerie Gravelines entrée de la rue de Dunkerque” has been added to your cart. Continue shopping

«art nouveau jeune princesse à l’éventail 1902» a été ajouté à votre panier. Poursuivre les achats

Enter your keyword

Letters, old documents

The shop

Information

Newsletter

Follow us