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

Jules Verne’s Illustrated Earth Exploration❦ VERNE Jules. Découverte de la Terre HETZEL

Sensual Satirical Poetry Collection❦ érotique Le Cabinet satyrique, ou Recueil parfaict des vers piquans et paillards

1629: The Jakarta Shipwreck Horror❦ 1629 …ou L’Effrayante Histoire des Naufragés Du Jakarta

Turkey in Decline by Pierre Loti❦ TURQUIE LOTI Pierre Turquie agonisante

Madame de Maintenon and Louis XIV’s Reign❦ Histoire de Madame de Maintenon et des principaux évènements du règne de Louis X

Autograph letter signed by Maurice Druon❦ Maurice Druon lettre manuscrite autographe signée

Lucas van Leyden & Bruegel the Elder Engravings❦ Leyden – Peter Bruegel l’Ancien LAVALLEYE 1966

Bastiat’s Defense of Free Trade (1862)❦ BASTIAT FREDERIC OEUVRES LE LIBRE-ECHANGE 1862

Alain Bombard’s tale of voluntary shipwreck❦ BOMBARD Alain. SAMIVEL.- Histoire du naufragé volontaire.

Maurice Leblanc’s Arsène Lupin: Rare Collection❦ Leblanc Maurice ARSENE LUPIN

Fables by La Fontaine with Grandville's illustrations❦ LA FONTAINE Fables de la Fontaine. Illustrations de Grandville

Asie HUC Souvenirs d'un voyage dans la Tartarie, le Thibet et la Chine 1853❦ Asie HUC Souvenirs d’un voyage dans la Tartarie, le Thibet et la Chine 1853

Exhibition Catalogue: Jean-Baptiste Valadié❦ Jean-Baptiste Valadié : Catalogue de l’Exposition au Théâtre Municipal de Brive

Saint-Cyr Military Academy 1952 East Asia Promotion Gala Programs❦ Saint Cyr – Triomphe de la Promotion “Extrème-Orient” 1952

Picasso’s Saint-Paul-de-Vence in 1949❦ PREVERT Jacques et VERDET André C’est à Saint Paul de Vence 1949

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