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

Antique Breton dioceses: St-Brieuc❦ Bretagne GESLIN de BOURGOGNE Anciens évêchés de Bretagne Diocèse de St-Brieuc

Chronological & alphabetical treaty directory (1493-1867)❦ Répertoire des traités de paix, de commerce, d’alliance…

Paul Valéry’s Homage Tribute❦ Paul Valéry LE TOMBEAU DE PAUL VALERY Envoi

La Bataille with art deco binding and Dignimont illustrations❦ FARRERE Claude – DIGNIMONT La bataille + lettre

1897 Photochromography: Color Printing Revolution❦ IMPRIMERIE Triplice Photographique des Couleurs et l’Imprimerie, Système… 1897

Merimee’s Cossacks of Yesteryear❦ MÉRIMÉE Prosper Les Cosaques d’autrefois 1890

Aquarium Life in 1975❦ Aquarium Vie la de l’aquarium 1975

Maxims and Moral Reflections❦ LA ROCHEFOUCAULD Reflexions ou sentences et maximes morales

Four short stories on pure linen paper❦ HENRIOT (Emile). Quatre nouvelles , sur pur fil 1944

Nautical shipbuilding and handling terms❦ MARINE termes de construction et de manoeuvre des navires

Hinzelin’s Vision of Joan of Arc, 1904❦ Hinzelin chez Jeanne d’Arc 1904 ill-Prouvé

Medical Physics Manual 1869❦ Médecine Gréhant N. Manuel de physique médicale 1869

Madame Gervaisais by GONCOURT, 1885 miniature edition❦ GONCOURT Madame Gervaisais. 1885 mini

Bob at the 1889 Salon by GYP❦ GYP BOB au salon de 1889

French postal almanac 1934-1937 Lot-et-Garonne❦ Almanach des postes et des télégraphes 1934 à 1937 lot et Garonne

📦 We ship antiquarian books worldwide

The shop

Information

Newsletter

Follow us