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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Photography of Landscapes❦ Le Paysage en Photographie

GREVILLE HENRY DOSIA - Rare 19th-century novel❦ GREVILLE HENRY DOSIA 1879

Amateur genealogist's guide to tracing ancestors❦ généalogie A la recherche de vos ancêtres. Guide du généalogiste amateur

Autobiographical novel by romantic author-painter❦ FROMENTIN Dominique 1928

Art of Bullfighting by Goya❦ Goya La Tauromachie Suivi de Les Taureaux de Bordeaux

A Novel by Julien Green❦ GREEN (Julien) L’Autre 1971

Shakespeare's Historical Voyage❦ DAUDET Le voyage de Shakespeare. Roman d’Histoire et d’Aventures

Practical guide to electric lighting for private installations❦ MANUEL PRATIQUE D’ECLAIRAGE ELECTRIQUE POUR INSTALLATIONS PARTICULIERES

Classic French Character Study❦ LA BRUYERE ( Jean de ) LES CARACTÈRES Illustrations de Foulquier, Penguilly, …

Fiction and natural tales by Renard❦ Renard Poil de carotte (le roman et la pièce), suivi de Histoires naturelles

The Reign of Constantine the Great❦ Constantin-le-Grand et son règne. 1846

Administrative & Commercial Directory of Aube Department 1853❦ ANNUAIRE ADMINISTRATIF, statistique et commercial du département de l’Aube ..

Nature exploration for young readers❦ Beasts and Birds: A Nature Book for Boys and Girls 1910

Dies Irae 1953 Signed by Author❦ Dies IRAE 1953 dédicacé

Travel guide to Northern France❦ Boulogne-sur-mer, Berck, Calais, Dunkerque 1884

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