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

Historical gallery of theatrical performers❦ Théâtre Galerie historique des acteurs 1877

Handcrafted Glasswork and Artistry❦ Verrerie à la Main. Illustré par Pierre Belvès

Marshal of France: Life and Legacy❦ LYAUTEY Maréchal de France 1854-1934

Sacred Authority in the Holy City❦ DE GAURY, Gerald. Rulers of Mecca

Plaster Medal 40 x 42 mm❦ Médaille en plâtre 40 x 42 mm

Hungarian Barbizon School Painter❦ Ladislas de Paal.Un peintre hongrois de l’école de Barbizon

Religious and Political System Memorandum❦ révolution MONTLOSIER Mémoire à consulter sur un système religieux et polit1826

Mother's Tales and Stories❦ BERTALL LES CONTES DE MA MERE 1877

A narrow door to self-discovery❦ GIDE (A.) La porte étroite

French aviator adventures in 1909❦ aviation DANS L’AZUR. AVENTURES D UN AVIATEUR FRANCAIS 1909

Insightful exploration of existence❦ EDOUARD PIGNON “Ma seule manière de vivre est d’interroger le monde”

French theater history in the 1930s❦ CHAMPION (Edouard) La Comédie Française. Années 1933 et 1934

The Price of Prints, Volume 4❦ Monod Le prix des estampes, anciennes et modernes. Tome quatrième.

History of the Ariège Freemasons❦ Ariège HISTOIRE des FRANCS-MACONS ARIEGEOIS

Guide to La Rochelle❦ LA ROCHELLE Guides diamant La Rochelle Hachette, 1924

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