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

Gautier’s 1881 Chanson de Roland in elegant binding❦ GAUTIER LEON LA CHANSON DE ROLAND 1881

Moonlit Tales with Valentine Hugo’s Lithographs❦ BADET André de. Contes au clair de lune. René Kieffer Valentine HUGO

Bareges, Pays Toy and Pic du Midi in vintage photos❦ BAREGES PAYS TOY ET PIC DU MIDI

Tristan and Iseult: A Medieval Romance Illustrated❦ BEDIER LE ROMAN DE TRISTAN ET ISEUT PIAZZA

1897 Illustrated Book with Author's Inscription❦ POUVILLON 1897 L’IMAGE + dédicace

Erotic verse by LOUYS with BECAT’s illustrations❦ érotique LOUYS Les Chansons de BILITIS

Crimes & Causes célèbres: A 19th-Century True Crime Anthology❦ Dumas, Arnould, Fournier, Fiorentino, Mallefille Causes & Crimes célèbres 1842

Journey to the Grande-Chartreuse in 1830❦ Voyage à la Grande-Chartreuse 1830

Geology textbook from 1853 by Edwards & Comte❦ Géologie EDWARDS M. MILNE, COMTE CAHIERS D’HISTOIRE NATURELLE 1853

Lost in the Forest: A Classic Adventure❦ BALLANTYNE PERDUS DANS LA FORET

Historical childhood tales: Jockey of Duke de Lauzun❦ Enfants à travers l’histoire. Le petit Jockey du duc de Lauzun ill-Nézière

Rare 1935 illustrated floral art book❦ TOUSSAINT Le Jardin des Roses 1/300

Paul d'Ivoi's eccentric travels of lightning thieves❦ IVOI (Paul d’). LES VOLEURS DE FOUDRE. Voyages excentriques

Victor Hugo’s tumultuous year in works❦ Hugo, Victor: Oeuvres de Victor Hugo l’année terrible

Victor Hugo’s Essays on Literature and Philosophy❦ Victor Hugo Littérature et philosophie mêlées.

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