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

Illustrated weekly journal, 1881❦ Le Monde illustré, journal hebdomadaire 1881

True Chronicles of Sir John le Bel❦ Vrayes Chroniques de Messire Jehan le Bel. Histoire vraye et notable

Introduction to French Grammar Elements Collection❦ INTRODUCTION A LA COLLECTION ELEMENS DE GRAMMAIRE FRANCAISE

Correspondence of the Marquise de Villars, Spanish Ambassador 1759❦ VILLARS Lettres de Madame la Marquise de Villars, ambassadrice en Espagne 1759

Hyrcan's Tobiade fortress in Palestine❦ Iraq al-Amir : le château du Tobiade Hyrcan

Appendix to The Genius of Christianity❦ CHATEAUBRIAND François-Auguste appendice du Génie du Christianisme 1802

National Gallery Pictures Catalogue 1857❦ Descriptive & historical catalogue of the pictures in the National gallery 1857

Insights into La Fontaine's Fables❦ LA FONTAINE ET SES FABLES 1881

Illustrated Hunting Journal 1880❦ Chasse illustrée – Journal des chasseurs et de la vie à la campagne 1880

Dying as a Man: A Polynesian Journey❦ océanie MOUSSET Paul Mourir en homme ( Kia mate toa)

Campaign Chronicles: North Africa 1833-1841❦ Orléans (Robert duc Récits de campagne. 1833-1841 Afrique

Horace's Poetry in French Translation❦ HORACE LES POESIES D’HORACE, TRADUITES EN FRANCOIS 1768

Chromolithograph of Nile Crocodiles❦ Crocodiles du Nil Chromolithographie

Arab and Turkish Modernities: Masters & Engineers❦ modernités arabes et turque: maîtres et ingénieurs

Original Decorative Masters' Drawings - PINEAU Museum Collection❦ Dessins originaux des maîtres décorateurs. Les dessins du Musée PINEAU

📦 We ship antiquarian books worldwide

The shop

Information

Newsletter

Follow us