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

Selected Letters of the Marquise de Sévigné❦ Sévigné Lettres choisies de Mmes de Sévigné, de Grignan, de Simiane 1815

French verse theory with author's dedication❦ FORMONT & LEMERRE LE VERS FRANCAIS – VERSIFICATION ET + dédicace

Saint-Martin Abbey Cartulary, Pontoise, Vol. 3❦ Cartulaire de l’abbaye de Saint-Martin de Pontoise 3 ème fascicule

Fantasy Costumes for a Masquerade Ball❦ GREVIN Alfred Costumes de fantaisie pour un bal travesti

Malaria: A Tale from Madagascar’s Bush❦ Malaria – Récit de la brousse malgache 1944.

Fritz Lang: A Cinematic Pioneer’s Life and Work❦ Fritz LANG Sa vie et son oeuvre

André Gide: The Narrow Gate❦ GIDE ANDRE. LA PORTE ETROITE. LE LIVRE DE DEMAIN 1956

Jarville-Nancy’s united imagery of La Fontaine❦ IMAGERIES REUNIES DE JARVILLE-NANCY LA FONTAINE en images

David Tremlett: Architect of Light❦ Tremlett – architecte de lumière

Art and Faith in 1943: Rare Bibliophile Journal❦ bibliophilie FORMES ET COULEURS – N°4 – 1943

My Friend Nane by Toulet❦ TOULET Mon amie Nane 1930

Anti-Rousseau satire by François Gacon, 1712❦ GACON (François)] Anti-Rousseau, par le Poête sans fard. 1712

Bob Putigny: The Old Soldier of Empire❦ Putigny Bob Le grognard Putigny baron d’empire

André Malraux’s Reflections on Memory❦ MALRAUX Antimémoires * Gallimard EO

Dorgelès autograph letter to Fernand Gregh❦ Dorgelès belle lettre autographe signée

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