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

Venus Cross by Plisnier with Dignimont's illustrations❦ Dignimont Croix de Vénus. Illustrations de A. Dignimont

Fortunio’s Eldorado: Rare Gautier Illustrated by Bécat❦ Gautier Fortunio ou l’Eldorado ill-Bécat

Curiosa: Magical Recipes for and against Love❦ Curiosa Recettes Magiques pour et contre l’Amour

Torture Museum: Historical Instruments❦ Torture MUSEE DES SUPPLICES

Victor Hugo’s Early Essays on Literature and Philosophy❦ Hugo (Victor) LITTERATURE ET PHILOSOPHIE MELEES 1834

Captain Mollin’s exposé on the fiches scandal❦ MOLLIN capitaine La Vérité sur l’affaire des fiches

Vasarely: Master of Modern Art❦ Vasarely (Les maîtres de la peinture moderne)

Corsi’s Corsican songs and notes❦ Corse Ciosi notes & chansons

A tale of chivalry and love❦ ARIOSTE. Roland Furieux 1824 Comte de Tressan

Marie-Louise d'Orléans: A Royal Portrait❦ Orléans MARIE-LOUISE D’ORLEANS 1864

Bernard Grasset’s 1954 Essay on Pleasure with Author’s Inscription❦ Grasset “Sur le Plaisir” Essai de Bernard GRASSET EO 1954 Envoi

Morocco: Journal of a Reconnaissance❦ maroc Vicomte Ch. de Foucauld. Reconnaissance au Maroc : Journal de route

The Slave: A Novel❦ L’esclave. Roman SM

Rodin’s French Cathedrals: A 1931 Study❦ Rodin, Auguste Les Cathedrales de France 1931

A man's reflection on his past❦ CONSTANTIN-WEYER FALKE Un homme se penche sur son passé

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