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

Armored cruiser Léon Gambetta of 1914❦ Léon Gambetta croiseur cuirassé 1914

Art and daily life in Dahomey❦ Dahomey Vendeuse de Kandji et Ata, Porteuses d’eau

German gunboat in Saigon❦ Saïgon cannonière allemande faisant du charbon

Exploration of Ogooué River Region❦ Congo Pahouin et Pahouine Yeuoi – Ogooué

Heritage finance with postcards❦ finance héritage Affaire Humbert 10 cartes-postales

Indigenous weapons of French Congo❦ SAGAIE indigènes du Congo français GUERRIERS

A study of the Diola culture❦ Afrique occidentale type de diola

Superbagnières plateau in Luchon❦ Luchon le plateau de Superbagnières 1915

Sudan: Fetish Dancers of Cultures❦ Soudan DANSEURS FETICHES DES CULTURES

Market in Cayor, Senegal❦ SENEGAL – Un marche dans le cayor AFRIQUE

Hand-painted mill❦ Moulin peint à la main

Mission of the Holy Spirit Fathers in Africa❦ mission des P. P. du Saint-Esprit attelage AFRIQUE

A satirical view on wealth and privilege❦ Fils à papa CHAMPAGNE 1908

Market scene in Papeete❦ Tahiti place du marché à papeete

Water carriers of Tananarive❦ Tananarive porteuses d’eau 1907

📦 We ship antiquarian books worldwide

The shop

Information

Newsletter

Follow us