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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Karr, Alphonse Les Guêpes 1844❦ Karr, Alphonse Les Guepes 1844

Paul Garcin, Gammes❦ GARCIN (Paul) Gammes

HEARN, Kotto

The Illustrated Grisons Highlands c. 1900❦ L’Oberland Grison illustré vers 1900

Goya La Tauromachie, followed by Les Taureaux de Bordeaux❦ Goya La Tauromachie Suivi de Les Taureaux de Bordeaux

The Little Goatherd of Cantal, or the Early Years of a Great Man❦ Petit chevrier du Cantal, ou les Premières années d’un grand homme

Jean SADINET: Les plaisirs du roi❦ érotique SADINET Jean : Les plaisirs du roi

Silences on the Second Empire❦ Silences sur le Second Empire

Selected Thoughts of the Reverend Father Lacordaire❦ Pensées choisies du R. P. Lacordaire

La Bruyère (Jean de) Les Caractères Illustrations by Foulquier, Penguilly, ...❦ LA BRUYERE ( Jean de ) LES CARACTÈRES Illustrations de Foulquier, Penguilly, …

BIBLIOGRAPHIE GÉNÉRALE DU COSTUME ET DE LA MODE. (volume one only) 1933❦ BIBLIOGRAPHIE GENERALE DU COSTUME ET DE LA MODE. (volume premier seul) 1933

De la conception, de la grossesse et de l’accouchement après la trachélorraphie❦ De la conception, de la grossesse et de l’accouchement apre?s la trache?lorr..

Comedies by Terence Les Comédies de Térence 1771 full-leather binding❦ comédies TERENCE Les Comédies de Térence 1771 reliure maroquin

Francis Bacon Recent Works 1977 signed Francis Bacon❦ Bacon oeuvres récentes 1977 signé Francis Bacon

VERNE Jules CINQ SEMAINES EN BALLON - VOYAGE DE DECOUVERTES EN AFRIQUE PAR TROIS❦ VERNE Jules CINQ SEMAINES EN BALLON – VOYAGE DE DECOUVERTES EN AFRIQUE PAR TROIS

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