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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Livres anciens, de collection

Racine’s Complete Works in 1817 Didot Edition❦ RACINE (Jean) Oeuvres de Jean Racine Didot-1817 mini

Plaster Seal Medal, 42mm❦ Médaille Sceaux en plâtre 42 mm

Traditional Costumes of Aquitaine❦ COSTUMES TRADITIONNELS D’AQUITAINE

MAUPASSANT's La Maison Tellier (1891)❦ MAUPASSANT La Maison Tellier 1891

Louis Capdevielle’s Pyrenean Journey❦ Louis Capdevielle Pyrénées

Art magazine with French translations (1903)❦ THE STUDIO an illustrated magazine of fine art & applied art jan. 15 1903

1972 Drouot auction catalog: abstract art & sculpture❦ Tableaux abstrait et d’aujourd’hui hotel Drouot 8 juin 1972 gravures multiples..

Hoffmann’s Fantastic Tales Illustrated by Gavarni❦ HOFFMANN Contes fantastiques de Hoffmann – Gavarni 1843

Schopenhauer’s Metaphysics of Will and Representation❦ SCHOPENHAUER Le MONDE comme Volonté et comme Représentation

George Sand’s Provincial Novel❦ SAND GEORGE. FRANCOIS LE CHAMPI. CALMANN LEVY

Désaugiers' Songs and Poetry in Elzevir Style❦ MINI Désaugiers Chansons et poésies. Édition elzévirienne

Sainte-Constance de Saverdun and Saint-Sernin’s temporal origins❦ Sainte-Constance de Saverdun aux origines du temporel de Saint-Sernin Ariège

Physics treatise on mechanics and heat❦ Traité de Physique Générale et Expérimentale mécanique et chaleur

Complete works in three volumes, 1826❦ GRESSET OEUVRES DE GRESSET 1826

Volney’s Selected Works in Miniature Binding❦ VOLNEY Oeuvres choisies de C.-F. Volney 1828 mini

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