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

Tatler The Tatler Richard Steele

Manual of the Chandelier of the Crier and of the Wax Manufacturer – For Sale 1836❦ MANUEL DU CHANDELIER DU CIRIER ET DU FABRICANT DE CIRE A CACHETER 1836

Auguste Margueritte, Chasses de l'Algérie. Algiers, 1869 + inscribed❦ MARGUERITTE (Auguste) Chasses de l’Algérie. Alger, 1869 + envoi

Erotic Traité de kinésithérapie gynécologique (massage et gymnastique) 1897❦ érotique Traité de kinésithérapie gynécologique (massage et gymnastique) 1897

BERTHOLD-MANN GERALDY Toi et Moi Aimer Le Prélude

Bossuet Treatise on Communion under Both Kinds 1682❦ BOSSUET Traité de la communion sous les deux espèces 1682

Historiettes by Tallemant des Réaux, 1865❦ Historiettes de Tallemant des Réaux 1865

Séez Historical Researches on the Town, the Bishops and the Diocese of Séez❦ Séez Recherches historiques sur la ville, les évêques et le diocèse de Séez

Reliure in full morocco with the arms of the Queen of Holland, 1731❦ Reliure aux armes de la reine de Hollande 1731

Council of Trent Hervet The Holy, Sacred, Universal and General 1566❦ CONCILE DE TRENTE HERVET Le Sainct, sacré, universel et général 1566

Heredia Les Trophées + dedication + binding❦ Heredia Les Trophées + dédicace + reliure

REBATET Les Deux Étendards, novel, NRF + inscribed❦ REBATET Les deux étendards, roman NRF + envoi

French Literary Treasures Edition❦ Pascal Pensées 1947

Satirical periodical, January-February 1844❦ Karr, Alphonse Les Guepes 1844

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