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

Philibert’s Clever Ideas by Avelot❦ Avelot Les bonnes idées de Philibert

Gauguin Museum Catalog, Tahiti❦ Gauguin Catalogue du Musée Gauguin, Papeari, Tahiti

Napoleon’s Veterans’ Memoirs, 1960❦ GROGNARDS DE LA GRANDE ARMEE 1960

Jean-Michel Benjamin Péret biography❦ GOUTIER JEAN MICHEL BENJAMIN PERET

A tale of Paris by Guitry❦ Guitry Si Paris nous était conté…1956

A century-spanning bookbinding history❦ Reliure Dix siècles de reliure

Pilot-Controller English Training Manual❦ école nationale de l’aviation PILOT CONTROLLER ENGLISH

Nietzsche: Herne Notebooks❦ Nietzsche. Les Cahiers de l’Herne

Historical survey of Landes villages and towns❦ Landes Villes et villages des Landes

Auvergne illustrated by Montader in 1896❦ Auvergne Ajalbert (J.) L’Auvergne, dessins de Montader 1896

Arms through the Ages: A 19th-Century Illustrated Guide❦ arme MAINDRON 1890 LES ARMES

Jane Graverol - May 1967 Exhibition❦ JANE GRAVEROL. EXPOSITION DU 10 AU 31 MAI 1967

Autographed Manuscript Letter❦ Pierre Louÿs BELLE LETTRE AUTOGRAPHE MANUSCRITE

Uncle Tom's Cabin with fairy tales collection❦ BEECHER-STOWE La Case de l’Oncle Tom, illustrations de Leroy

Erotic Theatre of Rue de la Santé❦ Curiosa MONNIER Henry Le Théâtre érotique de la rue de la Santé …

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