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

New School of Morals❦ Jouhanneaud Nouvelle école des moeurs 1853

Personal Notes on Vellum❦ BARBEY d’AUREVILLY (Jules) Memoranda (1er et 2e) sur vélin

The Begum's Five Hundred Million❦ Verne Les Cinq cents millions de la Bégum Acanthes HETZEL

Historical gallery of theatrical performers❦ Théâtre Galerie historique des acteurs 1877

Handbook for engineers and builders❦ Mémento de l’ingénieur et du constructeur moniteur industriel 1889 MINI

Handcrafted Glasswork and Artistry❦ Verrerie à la Main. Illustré par Pierre Belvès

Marshal of France: Life and Legacy❦ LYAUTEY Maréchal de France 1854-1934

Social Role of Officers in Physical Education❦ Officier DUPONCHEL, Cdt Rôle social de l’Officier dans l’Education physique 1902

Memoirs under Napoleon III's reign, 1851-1855❦ Mémoires du comte Horace de Viel Castel sous le règne de Napoléon III 1851-1864

Sacred Authority in the Holy City❦ DE GAURY, Gerald. Rulers of Mecca

Plaster Medal 40 x 42 mm❦ Médaille en plâtre 40 x 42 mm

French Expedition to the Himalayas❦ Himalaya Karakom Expédition française à l’Himalaya, 1936.

Birds and Their Nests❦ oiseaux et leurs nids Marylouisa

Magic and Illustrations by Jean Vertex❦ Sorcier Vertex -Les sorciers

Hungarian Barbizon School Painter❦ Ladislas de Paal.Un peintre hongrois de l’école de Barbizon

📦 We ship antiquarian books worldwide

The shop

Information

Newsletter

Follow us