Question 1

How do you authenticate an antiquarian book before purchase?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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%).

Question 3

What payment methods do you accept from international buyers?

Accepted Answer

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).

Question 4

What is your return policy?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

How can I verify a first edition?

Accepted Answer

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.

An empty cart

An empty cart

Enter your keyword

Books, Comics, Magazines

A study on Julius Caesar❦ MANSOUR (Joyce) Jules César Seghers 1956

Return of Imray and Other Unique Tales❦ Kipling Rudyard LE RETOUR D’IMRAY suivis d’autres récits insolites

A Tribute to a Notable Marquis❦ Percin Hommage à Romuald Léon Maxime, marquis

French Society Illustrated❦ Daumier Gavarni…Les français peints par eux-mêmes

Hunting the Elephant: A Virtuous Guide❦ CARLEGLE La chasse à l’éléphant ou « les Vertus ménagères »

Adventures of Bille and Cube❦ MICHA Bille et Cube à travers le Monde

Studies on Illustrious Women of the 17th Century❦ Femme COUSIN Madame de Sablé

The Lithographs of Pablo Picasso❦ Picasso Pablo Picasso. Die Lithographien

Erasmus' Praise of Folly Illustrated❦ erasme Eloge de la Folie Dessins de Hans Holbein

Useful and Pleasant Maritime Almanac❦ ETRENNES MARITIMES UTILES ET AGREABLES – 1833 MINI

Life in Bohemia: A Portrait❦ Henri Murger Scènes de la vie de Bohème

Statistical data on Hungary before the Millennium❦ Hongrie à La Veille du Millénaire: Données Statistiques avec deux Plans 1896

Scientific journey through nature's luxuries and adornments❦ Promenade scientifique au Pays des Frivolités 1906

Jack London's Adventures❦ London les aventures de jack London 1927

Original edition with author dedication❦ HENRIOT (Émile). La Flamme et les cendres + dédicace

📦 We ship antiquarian books worldwide

The shop

Information

Newsletter

Follow us