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

Treatise on Versification 1811❦ traité de la versification 1811

Last Day of a Condemned Man❦ HUGO VICTOR LE DERNIER JOUR D’UN CONDAMNE – CLAUDE GUEUX 15 x 10 cm.

Symbolism in European Art❦ Le Symbolisme en Europe 1976

Memoirs of a courtesan, illustrated edition❦ érotique CLELAND Mémoires de Fanny Hill, femme de plaisir

Documentary illustrations featured❦ Scorpions STOCK 1944

Unique edition for Guild members❦ GREEN, Julien. LEVIATHAN Frontispice de J.-P. REMON

Insights on Bourdelle's Art❦ Bourdelle Le message de Bourdelle

Giono's Journey Through Life❦ GIONO LES GRANDS CHEMINS. 1951

American Fire Engines: Fabulous Vehicles❦ POMPIER les Fabuleux Véhicules d’ Incendie Américains

French Guards and Bastille's Conquerors❦ Fournel les hommes du 14 juillet //1890

Historical Overview of Ardèche❦ Ardèche, ancien Vivarais, une terre, une histoire, un héritage

The Vicar of Wakefield illustrated edition❦ Le Vicaire de Wakefield illus-G. Thomas

Scenes from Bohemian Life❦ MURGER Henri Scènes de la vie de Bohème. H. Lardanchet. HOLLANDE nté

Memoirs of a Chief of Security❦ Police MEMOIRES DE CANDLER ANCIEN CHEF DU SERVICE DE SURETE

Enchanting Forests by Nesmy❦ Nature Nesmy La féerie des bois Grasset, 1927

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