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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Books, Comics, Magazines

Charles Nodier’s Canine Tales❦ NODIER, Charles Histoire du Chien de Brisquet

Living in Madeira by Jacques Chardonne❦ Chardonne Jacques Vivre à Madère – Roman

Scipion: A Provincial Tale by Théuriet❦ THEURIET L’Oncle Scipion

1824 critique of Ferrier’s economic theories❦ economie Du Bois Aymé Examen de quelques questions d’économie 1824

The Three Missing from Sirius by E. Zier❦ Price – E. Zier. Les Trois disparus du Sirius

19th-century French theater anthology❦ Répertoire populaire du Théâtre-Français.1826, 9 vol, petit format

Quinquets: Five Drawings by Jean Terrossian❦ Quinquets. Paris, L’Écart absolu, 1997

Adam and Eve - Deluxe uncut copy❦ BOULENGER ADAM ET EVE. GALLIMARD un des 15 H.C.

Cuba: lived testimonies from revolution's threshold❦ CUBA. TEMOIGNAGES VECUS. 1953-1960

French Academy Reception Speech, 1957❦ Ormesson Cte Vladimir Discours prononcés dans la séance publique 1957

Complete Works Vol. 6: Harmony and Spiritual Medicine❦ Spiritualité Aïvanhov TOME 6: L’harmonie

Practical Medicine and Surgery Journal 1830-1835❦ médecine Journal de Médecine et de chirurgie pratique 1830

Calvados Geography - Administrative & Natural Survey❦ Calvados Joanne***Géographie du département..14

Papal history from St. Peter to Clement XII❦ Abrégé de l’histoire des papes, depuis St. Pierre jusqu’à Clément XII 1739

Secret correspondence of Chancellor Maupeou, 1783❦ Maupeou Sorhouet Maupeouana, ou Correspondance secrette 1783

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