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

Bastiat’s Defense of Free Trade (1862)❦ BASTIAT FREDERIC OEUVRES LE LIBRE-ECHANGE 1862

Fables by La Fontaine with Grandville's illustrations❦ LA FONTAINE Fables de la Fontaine. Illustrations de Grandville

Asie HUC Souvenirs d'un voyage dans la Tartarie, le Thibet et la Chine 1853❦ Asie HUC Souvenirs d’un voyage dans la Tartarie, le Thibet et la Chine 1853

Exhibition Catalogue: Jean-Baptiste Valadié❦ Jean-Baptiste Valadié : Catalogue de l’Exposition au Théâtre Municipal de Brive

Saint-Cyr Military Academy 1952 East Asia Promotion Gala Programs❦ Saint Cyr – Triomphe de la Promotion “Extrème-Orient” 1952

Picasso’s Saint-Paul-de-Vence in 1949❦ PREVERT Jacques et VERDET André C’est à Saint Paul de Vence 1949

Royal Crown Jewels of Europe❦ Joyaux des couronnes d’Europe

17th–18th c. Rare Books from Duc de Chartres’ Library❦ Beres Pierre Catalogue 44. livres anciens duc de Chartres

Arabian Nights in 19th-century French edition❦ GALLAND LES MILLE ET UNE NUITS 1832

French Plan: Doctrine & Action (1935)❦ Marcel DÉAT Comité du Plan Le Plan français. Doctrine et Plan d’Action 1935

30mm Plaster Medal❦ Médaille en plâtre 30 mm

1978 French High Society Directory❦ Bottin mondain 1978

Napoleonic Wars in the Eastern Pyrenees❦ Campagnes de la Révolution Française dans les Pyrénées Orientales 1861

Carlegle’s whimsical guide to household virtues❦ CARLEGLE La chasse à l’éléphant ou « les Vertus ménagères »

Hervé Di Rosa at Louis Carré Gallery: Around the World, 18th Stage❦ HERVE DI ROSA à la galerie Louis Carré Autour du monde 18e étape

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