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

India's Diplomatic Mission to Europe❦ Inde Mission de l’Inde en Europe

Knowledge and Love of the Son of God❦ ST-JURE DE LA CONNOISSANCE ET DE L’AMOUR DU FILS DE DIEU 1833

Belgian lace craftsmanship overview❦ Dentelle VERHAEGEN dentelle belge 1912

Four Autograph Letters❦ ALFRED BERL 4 billets autographes manuscrites

The Curious Tale of Mademoiselle Brion❦ Curiosa Apollinaire Histoire de Mademoiselle Brion dite Comtesse de Launay

Municipal Law Organization Commentary 1885❦ droit COMMENTAIRE DE LA LOI SUR L’ORGANISATION MUNICIPALE 1885

Life of poet Roucher during the Terror❦ Révolution Pendant la terreur – Le poète Roucher 1745-1794

Waiting for Godot - 1970 edition❦ BECKETT, Samuel En attendant Godot 1970

Painters and Engravers Reference 1855❦ livre des peintres et graveurs 1855

Louis Augustis Mézin - Biographical Study❦ Mézin louis Augustis

Unknown Painter Portrait, circa 1891❦ artiste peintre vers 1891 à identifier photographie originale 13 x 18 cm.

Autographed Letter from Catulle Mendès to Jane❦ Catulle Mendès Jane lettre autographe signée

Confectionery, chocolate & biscuit manufacturers directory 1948❦ Annuaire des fabricants de confiserie chocolaterie confiturerie biscuiterie.1948

Delacroix Centennial Exhibition 1798-1863❦ DELACROIX Centenaire d’Eugène Delacroix 1798-1863

Ballet dancer lithograph❦ Danse ballerine lithographie/gouache

📦 We ship antiquarian books worldwide

The shop

Information

Newsletter

Follow us