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.

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Livres, BD, revues

Letters on miniature 1822❦ Lettres sur la miniature 1822

BERNARDIN DE SAINT-PIERRE, Studies and Harmony of Nature❦ BERNARDIN DE SAINT PIERRE, Etudes & harmonie de la Nature

Annuaire des fabricants de confiserie chocolaterie confiturerie biscuiterie. 1948❦ Annuaire des fabricants de confiserie chocolaterie confiturerie biscuiterie.1948

HUYSMANS Joris-Karl. Marthe: Histoire d'une fille. Illustrations by Bernard Naudin / Japan❦ HUYSMANS MARTHE. Histoire d’une fille. Dessins de Bernard Naudin / Japon

bibliophile Artistic and documentary review of ancient and modern books 1931–33❦ bibliophile Revue artistique et documentaire du livre ancien et moderne 1931-33

Marmontel La Pharsale de Lucain 1766

Bernardin, Études de la nature, 1787 + Vœux d’un solitaire❦ Bernardin études de la nature1787 + voeux d’un solitaire

Lettrine on parchment 137 x 150 mm.❦ Lettrine sur parchemin 137 x 150 mm.

History of the Treaty of Westphalia, or of the Negotiations... 1751❦ Westphalie Histoire du Traité de Westphalie, ou des Negociations..1751

Historical Atlas ... ancient maps for school use 1843❦ Atlas Historique ..cartes anciennes pour l’usage des collèges 1843

BARTET Causerie sur l'art dramatique 1903 ex. Anatole France❦ BARTET Causerie sur l’art dramatique 1903 ex. Anatole France

Marie d'Anjou queen of Majorca 1682❦ Marie d’Anjou reine de Mayorque 1682

CHATEAUBRIAND Oeuvres complètes Ladvocat 1826 EO

Mondor Rimbaud or the Impatient Genius + inscription❦ rimbaud MONDOR RIMBAUD OU LE GENIE IMPATIENT + envoi

Arabia: Voyage in the Arabian Peninsula, the Sinai, and Egypt, 1859❦ arabie VOYAGE DANS LA PENINSULE ARABIQUE, DU SINAI, ET DE L’EGYPTE 1859

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