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

On representative democracy❦ Sem. La démocratie représentative 1869

Marine drawing in pencil❦ marine dessin au crayon 12,5 x 19,5 cm.

Three Young Girls❦ BOURGET Trois petites filles 1899

Exploration of Chance Games❦ chance et les jeux de hasard – Loterie, boule, roulettes, baccarat…

A tale of adventure and leadership❦ Le Capitaine des Cranequiniers. Par O’GALOP & ROSNIL

Polish decorations and orders overview❦ Décorations et Ordres polonais

Literary exploration of human souls❦ Pouvillon Petites âmes 1893

Collection of Ancient Paintings❦ Catalogue des Tableaux Anciens Formant la Collection Petit 1913

Living Reptiles of the World❦ Reptiles vivants du monde 1960

Historical Memoirs of Mignet❦ MIGNET M. Mémoires Historiques 1854

Exploration of Curiosities❦ curiosa STEVE MASSON LOURDES, LENTES

Bible defending against disbelief❦ SAINTE BIBLE VENGÉE DES ATTAQUES DE L’INCRÉDULITÉ…1835

Scenes of Brittany in 1836❦ Bretagne les vétérans 1836 scènes armoricaines

Original work on La Fontaine's fables❦ La fontaine De la poésie dans les fables de La Fontaine 1873

Exploration of Picasso's Art❦ Picasso Portraits de Picasso, par Jacques Prévert

📦 We ship antiquarian books worldwide

The shop

Information

Newsletter

Follow us