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

Diplomat’s Memoirs of Revolution and Empire❦ SOUVENIRS D’UN TEMOIN DE LA REVOLUTION ET DE L’EMPIRE 1791 1803

Maurice Fourré: The Definitive Dreamer❦ Maurice Fourré, rêveur définitif ..le caméléon mystique

1975 Skira Annual on Contemporary Art❦ Art actuel. Skira annuel 1975

Barbey d'Aurevilly's dark novella❦ BARBEY. Une Histoire sans nom. LEMERRE 1882 EO

Critique of Materialism by Bergier (1771)❦ BERGIER Examen du matérialisme ou réfutation du système de la nature. 1771

Luxury hunting encyclopedia with rare illustrations❦ Chasse de Boilambert Le grand livre de la chasse et de la nature

Benjamin Péret’s Myths & Legends of the Americas❦ PERET Benjamin Anthologie des mythes et légendes et contes populaires d’Amérique

Bernay historical monographs by Malbranche❦ Bernay notices sur Bernay 13 monographies

1860 China Expedition Report by RANDON & BLONDEL❦ Chine RANDON (Maréchal Cte) BLONDEL (Général) Relation de l’Expédition de Chine

Victorian Miniature Toast Book, 1853❦ Toasts & Sentiments 66 x 90 mm. MINI SOCIAL AND CONVIVIAL 1853

Gift book for my daughter: amusing evenings of youth❦ ETRENNES A MA FILLE OU SOIREES AMUSANTES DE LA JEUNESSE 1816

French Songbook for Ladies 1813❦ Chansonnier français ou etrennes des dames 1813

Royal wedding of Prince Henri de France, 1931❦ Comte de Paris Mariage de Son Altesse royale le prince Henri de France 1931

Surrealist Dictionary 1938❦ Surréalisme Dictionnaire abrégé du surréalisme 1938

French Army Directory 1902–1906 with author dedications❦ ARMEE FRANCAISE ALBUM ANNUAIRE ANNEE 1902 à 1906 + dédicace

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