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

Bibliography of Clerical and Gallant Works❦ érotique Bibliographie clérico-galante. 1879

Signed letter by Maurice Schumann❦ Maurice Schumann lettre signée

Madame de Staël's Unpublished Correspondence❦ STAEL PLUS BEAU DE TOUTES LES FETES – La correspondance inédite de Madame de

Terms of Ship Construction and Navigation❦ MARINE termes de construction et de manoeuvre des navires

Moral Work by Mademoiselle Javotte❦ érotique Mademoiselle Javotte : Ouvrage moral écrit par elle-même

Reflections on Intellectual Action❦ Thisse REFLETS + dédicace

Exhibition of French Primitives 1904❦ Les Primitifs Français exposés au Pavillon de Marsan 1904

Short tales featuring Susie and butterflies❦ Susie & the butterflies & other stories

A captivating journey through a deserted land❦ CASSOU Le pays qui n’est à personne EO sur Alfa

Study of Ant Life❦ MAETERLINCK MAURICE. LA VIE DES FOURMIS- LE LIVRE DE DEMAIN

The Leprous Women by Montherlant❦ MONTHERLANT les lépreuses / sur vélin

Portrait of France Series No. 24❦ HERVIEU MONTSOURIS / COLLECTION PORTRAIT DE LA FRANCE

A study on Israel's monarchy❦ THARAUD Jérôme et Jean. Quand Israël n’est plus roi

Napoleon's Coronation❦ Napoléon Sacre de Napoléon – 2 décembre 1804

Corneille's Dedication for Japan❦ Corneille + dédicace / Japon

📦 We ship antiquarian books worldwide

The shop

Information

Newsletter

Follow us