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

Koenigsmark: A 1946 bibliophile edition❦ BENOIT Pierre TOUCHAGUES koenigsmark

Wagner’s Memoirs of a Turbulent Era❦ WAGNER (Richard). Ma vie (1813-1864) Traduction de N. Valentin et A. Schenk 1911

Reims Tales with Meissonier & Foulquier Illustrations❦ Reims Contes Remois. Dessins de E. Meissonier & de Foulquier 1864

Cameroon to Hoggar, 1945❦ DU CAMEROUN AU HOGGAR 1945

Béranger’s posthumous works: Last songs❦ Beranger Oeuvres posthumes de Beranger. Dernieres chansons MINI

Marcel Prévost’s ‘Marie-des-Angoisses’ with author’s inscription❦ Prevost Marcel Marie-des-Angoisses + dédicace

Jean FOLLAIN’s rare 1933 poetry collection with author’s dedication❦ FOLLAIN (Jean). La Main chaude + dédicace

Aphrodites: Fragments of Thalic-Priapic Pleasure❦ érotiqu APHRODITES OU FRAGMENTS THALI-PRIAPIQUES SERVIR A L’HISTOIRE DU PLAISIR

Paul Valéry’s philosophical portrait in rare condition❦ VALERY (Paul): Monsieur Teste ex. sur Alfa

Dumas' historical novels: intrigue, mystery, and royal secrets❦ Drame chevalier d’Harmental Dumas, Joyaux de la reine, mystères de Londres 1849

Maurice Maeterlinck's The Hourglass with Dedication❦ MATERLINCK MAURICE LE SABLIER + dédicace

Lake Ontario illustrated edition❦ COOPER FENIMORE. LE LAC ONTARIO, 1936

War Letters of Jacques Vaché❦ Suuréalisme VACHE Jacques Lettres de guerre de Jacques Vaché

Albert Robida’s satirical Prussians❦ Allemagne Robida ( Albert ) Le vautour de Prusse

1790 Gers Department Map by Houdon❦ Gers 32 Département du GERS 1790

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