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

Islamic Figures and Oriental Costumes: Steel Engravings❦ Islam Vizir, Turcs, perse, arabe, Mogol, Derviche.. planches gravées sur acier

Libertine Works of 19th Century Poets❦ érotique Barbier, BECAT Hugo, Janin, Gautier L’oeuvre libertine des Poètes

Bordeaux: Beauty and Silver Coasts❦ BORDEAUX, COTE DE BEAUTE, COTE D’ARGENT

Letters and Speeches of Henri IV❦ Henri IV Oeuvres de Henri IV : Lettres et Harangues

Life of Saint Vincent de Paul❦ Vie des Saint Vincent de Paul

The conflict among the gods❦ PARNY La guerre des dieux

Lost in the Botanical Garden❦ Perdu au jardin des plantes

Translation and annotations of KAMA-SUTRA❦ Curiosa Vatsyayana KAMA-SUTRA

Illustrated edition of a classic novel❦ Curiosa BALLIVET SACHER-MASOCH : La Vénus aux Fourrures

Five Hundred Million Bequeathed: A Technological Utopia❦ Verne Les Cinq cents millions de la Bégum Acanthes HETZEL

Cultivation of Poplar Trees❦ Peuplier La culture du peuplier

Travel observations in China❦ Chine CHITTY : EN CHINE, CHOSES VUES

The Trials of Sophie by Ségur❦ Ségur Castelli, Horace Les Malheurs de Sophie

Biography of Général Weygand❦ WEYGAND TURENNE Général

A unique look at identity and art❦ Arthur CRAVAN ” J’étais cigare “

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