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

Photography Techniques Explored❦ photo DILLAYE La Pratique en Photographie avec le procédé au gélatino-bromure

Top Recipes for Bourgeois Pastry❦ CUISINE 1000 meilleures recettes de pâtisserie bourgeoise

Pilgrimages and Shrines in Saint-Flour❦ Pèlerinages et Sanctuaires de la Ste Vierge dans le diocèse de Saint-Flour 1888

Manuscripts by Pierre Louÿs and contemporaries❦ Louÿs Manuscrits de Pierre Louÿs et de divers auteurs contemporains 1926

Beautiful signed letter by Picart Ledoux❦ Picart Ledoux lettre autographe signée

Tales of country life and animals❦ Pergaud Le roman de Miraut chien de chasse, LES RUSTIQUES – guerre des boutons..

European Conquest of Asia❦ Asie A L’ASSAUT DE L’ASIE

Biography of Joan of Arc❦ HANOTAUX (Gabriel). JEANNE D’ARC. 1911

Comprehensive history of French colonies❦ colonies Histoire des Colonies françaises et de l’expansion de la France 5/6

History of French Literature❦ NISARD D. Histoire de la Littérature Française 1863

Rare works by famous author❦ Abel Hermant Serge, Ermeline, histoire d’un fils de roi, les affranchis ***s…

Illustrated Comedy Novel❦ SCARRON LE ROMAN COMIQUE illustré par Bréhat

Heroic Return of Napoléon from Elba❦ Napoléon la chevauchée héroïque du retour de l’île d’Elbe

Exploration of Eastern Love❦ érotique Le livre d’amour de l’Orient 1912

First edition of Mélèagre's poetry❦ LOUŸS POÉSIES DE MÉLÉAGRE 1926 / vélin

📦 We ship antiquarian books worldwide

The shop

Information

Newsletter

Follow us