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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Antique and collectible books

Archaeological Treatise on Antiquities❦ Champollion Archéologie ou traité des antiquités, numismatique… 1833

Honey: Uses and Properties❦ Miel le miel ses usages et ses propriétés 1912

Memoirs and Tales of Fire❦ NERVAL LES FILLES DU FEU 1864

Chronological Summary of French History❦ Mezeray Abrégé chronologique de l’histoire de France 1717

Memoirs of General Auguste Colbert (1793-1809)❦ COLBERT Traditions et Souvenirs ou MEMOIRES 1866

Gallant Academy: curious little histories❦ Mini Académie galante contenant diverses petites Histoires très curieuses 1708

Illustrated Export Catalog - French Trade Directory 1929❦ Catalogue D’exportation Illustre De M. M. Les Commissionnaires-Exportateurs 1929

Backgammon Game Rules and Methods❦ Jeu du trictrac , comme on le joue aujourd’huy. Enrichy de figures

The Three Roses of Marie-Anne❦ LOUYS Les trois roses de Marie-Anne ill-Lebègue

Gulliver's Travels Illustrated❦ SWIFT Voyages de Gulliver dans les contrées lointaines 1838 Grandville

Rare 18th-century leisure essay❦ Mini essai de mes loisirs ou porte-feuille d’un homme de bien 1780

Commemorative work on Auguste Comte❦ Comte SUR LA TOMBE DE HENRY CROMPTON anniversaire de la mort d’Auguste Comte

Human life in miniature: Moral contrasts illustrated❦ monde en miniature, ou Les contrastes de la vie humaine. 1820

Selected contemporary poets❦ LEAUTAUD & VAN BEVER Poètes d’aujourd’hui, morceaux choisis 1908 + dédicace

Emperor's Thoughts on Saint Helena❦ Napoléon LAS CASES MÉMORIAL DE SAINTE-HÉLENE

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