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

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

Epilogues: Reflections on Life❦ Gourmont, Rémy de Epilogues : reflexions sur la vie EO 1904

France in its Colonies around 1899❦ FRANCE AUX COLONIES (vers 1899)

Vincent van Gogh’s Japanese Album❦ VAN GOGH Vincent Van Gogh. L’Album japonais

Pierre Louÿs: Intimate Moments❦ PIERRE LOUYS INTIME “Le solitaire du hameau”

Colonial Fantasies in 19th-Century France❦ Curiosa LES FOLIES COLONIALES

Saint-Exupéry’s Letters to His Mother and Youth Writings❦ Lettres de Saint-Exupéry Lettres a sa mère lettres de jeunesse lettre à un otage

French high society directory 1966❦ Bottin mondain 1966

Plaster medal 25 x 35 mm❦ Médaille en plâtre 25 x 35 mm

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