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

Marian apparitions at Garaison up to the Revolution❦ Notre-Dame de Garaison. depuis les Apparitions jusqu’à la Révolution

Grandfather Girardins illustrated adventures❦ GIRARDIN J. GRAND’PERE dessinées sur bois par C. Delort

Memoirs of a provincial high school student❦ LAURIE André. Mémoires d’un collégien lycée de département HETZEL

Göring: Hitler’s Enabler & Reich Marshal❦ Goering Le complice d’Hitler/ Le Maréchal du Reich

Biographical Study of Eugène de Robillard de Beaurepaire❦ Robillard de Beaurepaire Notice biographique et littéraire 1903

Citroën SM Technical Manual 1972❦ Citroën S M Revue technique automobile n° 316 – Septembre 1972

Genealogical Research Guide at National Archives 1953❦ Guide des recherches généalogiques aux Archives Nationales 1953

Paul d'Ivoi's Exotic Adventure Novel❦ IVOI (Paul d’) Le Maître du Drapeau Bleu

Victor Hugo’s Orientalist Poetry❦ HUGO LES ORIENTALES 1857 Hetzel

Jules Verne’s World: Educational Guide❦ verne monde de Jules Verne doc-pédagogique

Barricades: 150 Historic Photographs❦ BARRICADES. Suite de 150 photographies groupées par Andre PAPILLON

The Lover❦ DURAS Marguerite L’AMANT 1984

Chardonne on love beyond romance❦ Chardonne L’amour : c’est beaucoup plus que l’amour

Feminine beauty in floral motifs by Dignimont and friends❦ Dignimont – BELMONDO – BRAYER – BELMONDO – DORGELES …Femmes fleurs et branches

Midnight Confession with original lithograph❦ DUHAMEL Georges Confession de minuit lithog. de Berthold Mann

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