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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Napoléon Austerlitz: The Centenary of Austerlitz❦ Napoléon AUSTERLITZ LE CENTENAIRE D’AUSTERLITZ

Fables inédites des XIIe, XIIIe et XIVe siècles, et Fables de La Fontaine 1825❦ Fables inédites des XIIe, XIIIe et XIVe siècles, et Fables de La Fontaine 1825

Molière 1622 - 1673. His Life, His Works, illustrated by Vox❦ Molière 1622 – 1673. Sa vie, son oeuvre, illustré par Vox

BALZAC Eugénie Grandet 1911 illustrations Leroux

Police Dictionary or Treatise on the General Police of Cities 1775❦ Police Dictionnaire ou Traité de la police générale des villes 1775

Manual of Prehistoric, Celtic, and Gallo-Roman Archaeology: Archaeology of the Soil❦ Manuel d’Archéologie préhistorique celtique et gallo-romaine arché-du sol

BRET, Théatre de Mr. Bret 1778, with armorial bindings❦ BRET Théatre de Mr. Bret 1778 + reliures armoriées

Nerval Works lithographed by S. Ballivet❦ Nerval Oeuvres litho- de S. Ballivet

Atlas National de la France Générale, 1877❦ Atlas national France générale 1877

PAULHAN Le Guerrier appliqué + Presentation copy❦ PAULHAN Le Guerrier appliqué + Envoi

érotique LOUYS LYDIS Romans et nouvelles Chansons de Bilitis La Femme et le Pantin❦ érotique LOUYS LYDIS Romans et nouvelles chanson de Bilitis La femme et le pant

HORNBILL AND DRAGON. Kalimantan, Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei Jakarta

A Captain of Fifteen Years❦ VERNE Un capitaine de quinze ans HETZEL

GERALDY Toi et Moi. 1918 + author's letter❦ GERALDY Toi et Moi. 1918 + lettre de l’auteur

Malebranche Meditations chrétiennes et Métaphysiques 1707❦ MALEBRANCHE Méditations chrétiennes et Métaphysiques 1707

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