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

Greek Roots Garden 1860❦ JARDIN DES RACINES GRECQUES 1860

Dubout's Bawdy Tales from 1947❦ Dubout HISTOIRES GRIVOISES – DUBOUT 1947

36mm plaster medal❦ Médaille en plâtre 36 mm

Madame du Deffand’s Complete Correspondence (Vol. 2)❦ Correspondance Mme du DEFFAND 1859

LEQUINIO: Radical Enlightenment in 1793❦ révolution Lequinio Les Préjugés détruits 1793

Science Fiction Awakening Classic❦ SF WELLS QUAND LE DORMEUR S’EVEILLERA EO

MISTRAL’s 1901 signed letter to Régnier❦ MISTRAL Frédéric Carte-Lettre autographe signée 19 mai 1901

National assets in Gers during the Revolution❦ Gers la vente des biens nationaux dans le Gers Biens de première origine

Symbolist novel of Bruges' melancholic soul❦ Rodenbach Bruges-la-morte SYMBOLISME

Racine’s Complete Works in 1817 Didot Edition❦ RACINE (Jean) Oeuvres de Jean Racine Didot-1817 mini

Post-war literary reflections with author's dedication❦ MASSIS (Henri) Dix ans après. Réflexions sur la littérature d’après + dédicace

Love Lessons in a Park: Rare Illustrated Edition❦ BOYLESVE René La Leçon d’Amour dans un parc & la nouvelle… ill-Bécat

Military Topography Manual 1939-40❦ topographie Précis de topographie Armée 1939

African & Oceanic Art Prints by Breton❦ Rolland arts anciens d’afrique André Breton

Exploration of a Mysterious Island❦ Verne L’Ile Mystérieuse Hachette collection Hetzel

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