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

Our Antiquarian Books Catalog

Le Havre 1976 in 4 Stereo Postcards❦ LE HAVRE 76 4 cartes postales stéréo LL

Diderot’s satirical masterpiece illustrated in 1883❦ DIDEROT Le neveu de Rameau illustré par GAUTHIER 1883

Military Splendor of Liège❦ FASTES MILITAIRES DU PAYS DE LIEGE – MUSEE DE L’ART WALLON

Bible History by Abbé James (1839) - Incomplete Set❦ Bible JAMES HISTOIRE DE L ANCIEN TESTAMENT 1839

Barye’s Watercolors: Critical Study & Catalogue❦ Barye Les Aquarelles de Barye. Etude critique et catalogue raisonné

Flame and Ashes with author's dedication❦ HENRIOT (Émile). La Flamme et les cendres + dédicace

Dukercy Dédé’s Political Satire at Dada❦ Dukercy Dédé à Dada : Homme d’état

BARRÈS’ Mystery Illuminated in Creuzevault Binding❦ BARRES. LE MYSTERE EN PLEINE LUMIERE reliure de Creuzevault

Réaumur: A polymath outside the Encyclopédie❦ Réaumur : un esprit encyclopédique en dehors de l’Encyclopédie

Haida Art at Canadian Museum of Civilization❦ CANADA L’art haïda Musée canadien des civilisations

Lille Eucharistic Congress 1881-1931❦ LILLE 59 Cinquantenaire Congrès Eucharistiques 1881-1931 Cardinal LIENART

Educational guide for young ladies by Beaumont❦ PRINCE DE BEAUMONT MAGASIN OU INSTRUCTIONS POUR LES JEUNES DAME QUIE ENTRENT..

Memoirs of General Colbert by Marquis de Chabanais❦ COLBERT Traditions et Souvenirs ou MEMOIRES 1866

Normandy Miscellany: 12 Volumes of Historical Documents❦ Normandie Mélanges. Documents publiés et annotés …

Calbet & Loti’s Disillusioned Souls❦ CALBET LOTI Les Désenchantés 1936

📦 We ship antiquarian books worldwide

The shop

Information

Newsletter

Follow us