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

Crasset’s 17th-century devotional guide to preparing for death❦ gothique Crasset Préparation à La Mort

Idols under threat: memories and journey to the idols❦ Idoles SOUS LA MENACE DES IDOLES, EN ROUTE VERS LES IDOLES

Carcassonne in 1939 by Morel❦ CARCASSONNE ARTHAUD 1939

Molière’s Complete Works in 1822 Morocco Binding❦ Moliere Oeuvres de Moliere 1822 75 x 115 mm.

Royal Academy of Architecture Minutes (1671-1793) Vol. X❦ Procès-verbaux de l’académie royale d’architecture 1929

Swiss Joanne Travel Guide 1873❦ SUISSE JOANNE, Adolphe et Paul Suisse. Collection des Guides-Joanne 1873

Espionage in Wartime: 1945 Epilogue❦ Intelligence avec l’ennemi (épilogue 1945)

Prehistoric Times: The Dawn of Humanity❦ PREHISTORIQUE LE TEMPS DE LA PREHISTOIRE

Adjusting crankshafts: 1901 technical guide❦ précautions à prendre pour obtenir un bon ajustage des arbres a manivelles 1..

Valérie by Madame de Krüdener (1878) - Rare Luxury Edition❦ Valérie de Madame de Krüdener 1878 Quantin

Georges Henein: Complete Works in Poetry, Prose, and Essays❦ Henein, Georges. Oeuvres. Poèmes, récits, essais, articles et pamphlets

Rare erotic tale from 1881❦ érotique Le hasard du coin du feu 1881

The Minstrel’s Journey of Genius (1836)❦ Minstrel or the progress of genius 1836 MINI

Floral Games Academy Toulouse Collection❦ RECUEIL DE L’ACADEMIE DES JEUX FLORAUX Toulouse

1930s Parisian department store director novel❦ PINCHON J.-P. FRIMOUSSET DIRECTEUR DES GRANDS MAGASINS AMELONDE

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