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

Secrets of country farm cuisine❦ Cuisine PAYSANNE EN FRANCE. LES SECRETS DES FERMES EN Périgord noir

Overview of Tahiti and its Colonies❦ tahiti LE CHARTIER Tahiti et les Colonies Françaises de la Polynésie 1887

A classic sci-fi adventure❦ star wars LUCAS G. LA GUERRE DES ETOILES. 1977

In Service of the General❦ De gaulle BOISSIEU (Alain de) Pour servir le général

Historical Castles of France❦ chateaux BOURASSE Châteaux Historiques de France. Histoire et Monuments 1885

19th Century Hand-Painted Fan❦ Eventail 19 ème joliment peint

Illustrated Hunting in Africa❦ chasse Chasses en Afrique illustré par Victor Adam

Guide to Construction Materials and Estimates❦ Ariège Pyrénées Manuel de la construction… matériaux, devis

Culinary Arts and Techniques❦ cuisine JOUVENS Le VATEL. L’art culinaire, la charcuterie et la pâtisserie 1931

1976 Almanac of Paris and France❦ BOTTIN MONDAIN 1976 – Tout Paris – Toute la France. DIDOT BOTTIN

Oceanography Explained❦ monaco DE LA SURFACE AUX ABÎMES. L’Océanographie Vulgarisée

Imperial Almanac for 1869❦ Petit Almanach Impérial pour 1869 Vernet Bertall & L. breton

Reflections on World War I experiences❦ Genevoix Maurice Ceux de 14

German Secret Weapons❦ armes secrètes allemandes

A Valet's Indiscreet Confessions❦ curiosa Monsieur PIERRE Indiscrètions d’un Valet de chambre

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