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

Predictions of the Next War’s Slaughter❦ LES HECATOMBES DE LA GUERRE PROCHAINE 1923

Hot Nights in Cap Français❦ Rebell Les Nuits Chaudes du Cap Français

Dictatorship of Pain: A 1936 Manifesto on Dolorism❦ Teppe Dictature de la douleur ou Précisions sur le dolorisme 1936

1803 Tariff on Gold and Silver❦ Monnaie Tarif OR ARGENT 1803

Classic 1941 French Restaurant Manual❦ Manuel du Restaurateur. Résumé de Cuisine courante 2500 recettes 1941

26mm plaster medal❦ Médaille en plâtre 26 mm

Plaster medal, 38mm❦ Médaille en plâtre 38 mm

Alsace’s history for children by Uncle Hansi❦ Hansi L’histoire d’Alsace racontée aux petits enfants d’Alsace et de France

Early 20th-century bilingual literary journal❦ Harper, Allanah (directrice). Echanges. Revue trimestrielle de littérature 1929

Hémard’s 1934 French Humor Dictionary❦ Hémard Dictionnaire de l’Académie de l’humour français 1934

French Republic laws bulletin (Year IV)❦ directoire Bulletin des lois de la République Française an IV

Elementary Histology Treatise 1863 with author's dedication❦ histologie Traité élémentaire d’histologie 1863 + dédicace

French society before the Revolution❦ familles et la société en France avant la révolution 1874 Charles de Ribbe

Bronze art and techniques guide❦ Bronze LE BRONZE D’ART ET SES TECHNIQUES

Stalky & Co. by Kipling (1907)❦ KIPLING RUDYARD STALKY & CIE 1907

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