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

The influence of moral virtue❦ Madame de la BRETONNIERE L’empire de la vertu ou l’influence de la morale éva

Aline, Queen of Golconde❦ BOUFFLERS (Chevalier de) Aline, reine de Golconde. Lithographies de Jean-Edelman

Key Work by André Breton❦ André Breton. Editions Seghers / Collection ” Poètes d’aujourd’hui HC

Understanding human passions❦ ALIBERT Physiologie des passions ou la nouvelle doctrine

FIRMIN-DIDOT's 1877 catalog❦ CATALOGUE : FIRMIN-DIDOT 1877

A thousand years of history in Gascogna❦ Gascogne Mille ans d’histoire avec la famille de Corneillan et …

Initial Period of Small Format with Vignettes❦ PÉRIODE INITIALE DU PETIT FORMAT A VIGNETTES ET FIGURES COLLECTION CAZIN

Historical Research on Saint-Vigor Relics❦ Reliques de Saint-Vigor 190

Recollections of our lives❦ GIRARDIN NOUS AUTRES 1888

Letters on Mythology❦ MINI DEMOUSTIER Lettres à Emilie sur la Mythologie 70 x 105 mm.

Elegant Casablanca 1911 Stereo Cards Set of 5❦ Casablanca élégantes 1911 carte stéréo x 5

The Treasure of the Humble❦ Maeterlinck Maurice Le trésor des humbles 1898

Complete Works of Gilbert❦ GILBERT OEUVRES COMPLÈTES DE GILBERT 1823

New Year Embossed & Relief Greeting❦ BONNE ANNEE gaufré & relief

Correspondence of Three Distinguished Ladies❦ Lettres de Mmes de Villars, de La Fayette, de Tencin 1806

📦 We ship antiquarian books worldwide

The shop

Information

Newsletter

Follow us