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

Livres anciens, de collection

Plaster medal, 38mm❦ Médaille en plâtre 38 mm

Alsace’s history for children by Uncle Hansi❦ Hansi L’histoire d’Alsace racontée aux petits enfants d’Alsace et de France

Early 20th-century bilingual literary journal❦ Harper, Allanah (directrice). Echanges. Revue trimestrielle de littérature 1929

Hémard’s 1934 French Humor Dictionary❦ Hémard Dictionnaire de l’Académie de l’humour français 1934

French Republic laws bulletin (Year IV)❦ directoire Bulletin des lois de la République Française an IV

Elementary Histology Treatise 1863 with author's dedication❦ histologie Traité élémentaire d’histologie 1863 + dédicace

French society before the Revolution❦ familles et la société en France avant la révolution 1874 Charles de Ribbe

Bronze art and techniques guide❦ Bronze LE BRONZE D’ART ET SES TECHNIQUES

Stalky & Co. by Kipling (1907)❦ KIPLING RUDYARD STALKY & CIE 1907

New Blue Tales with Yan' D'Argent Illustrations❦ Laboulaye Edouard Nouveaux contes bleusill-Yan’ d’Argent

Heroism of the Priesthood in 1876❦ Prêtre L’héroïsme en soutane 1876

1989 Christie’s Jade Auction Catalog❦ JADE Fine Jade Carvings Jadeite Jewellery and Works of Art March 1989 Christie’s

Maurice DRUON autograph letter❦ Maurice DRUON lettre autographes signée

Fashion History of Western Costume from Antiquity to Present❦ Mode Histoire du costume en Occident de l’Antiquité à nos jours 1983

Modern French Art 1917-1920❦ L’ART FRANCAIS MODERNE 1917-1920

📦 We ship antiquarian books worldwide