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

GONCOURT Edmond & Jules Memoirs of Literary Life EO❦ GONCOURT Edmond & Jules Mémoires de la vie littéraire EO

SURREALISM THE SURREALISM ITSELF nos. 1 to 5, complete set Pauvert❦ Surréalisme LE SURREALISME MÊME n°1 à 5, collection complète Pauvert

Satire Le Tintamarre is a French satirical weekly 1882❦ Satire Le Tintamarre est un hebdomadaire satirique français 1882

Aquitaine Mercator – Southern Aquitaine, the kingdom of Arelatense with its boundaries, c. 1610❦ aquitaine MERCATOR Aquitania australis regnu arelatense cum confiniis Ca. 1610

Boylesve 3 beautiful autograph letters signed❦ Boylesve 3 belles lettres autographes signées

fan, 19th century, finely painted❦ éventail 19 ème joliment peint

azur Laurie (André) The Giant of Azure. Illustrations by Georges Roux. HETZEL❦ azur Laurie (André) Le géant de l’azur. Illustrations de Georges Roux. HETZEL

Satire Le Tintamarre weekly French satirical journal 1883❦ Satire Le Tintamarre hebdomadaire satirique français 1883

reliure Heures Romaines, with figures by Queyroy, gilt edges, Lesort binding❦ reliure Heures Romaines, avec figures Queyroy tranches ciselées reliure Lesort

Sénac On the Government, Morals, and Conditions in France 1795❦ Sénac Du gouvernement, des moeurs, et des conditions en France 1795

Politique GILL, André Le Bulletin de vote❦ Politique GILL André Le bulletin de vote

Napoléon Montorgueil Job Bonaparte

BLOY LEON The One Who Cries (Our Lady of La Salette) 1945❦ BLOY LEON Celle Qui Pleure (Notre Dame De La Salette) 1945

Louise de Apollinaire Coligny-Chatillon Letters to Guillaume Apollinaire❦ APOLLINAIRE COLIGNY-CHATILLON (Louise de) Lettres à Guillaume Apollinaire EO

neige Belle neige belle glace illustrated by Alfredo❦ neige Belle neige belle glace illustré par Alfredo

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