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

Surrealist Vessels of Connection❦ BRETON ANDRE LES VASES COMMUNICANTS

Signed letter by Leprince Ringuet❦ Leprince Ringuet lettre signée

Scout World Jamboree: Quest for the Golden Arrow❦ Scout Powell World Jamboree The Quest of the golden Arrow

Norwegian-British-Swedish Antarctic Expedition 1949-1952❦ Maudheim, deux ans dans l’antarctique- L’expédition scientifique…

Miracles Valley: Water, History, and Legends❦ VALLEE DES MIRACLES : Le miroir des eaux – les champs catalauniques…

1936 Hachette Almanac: Practical Life Guide❦ Almanach Hachette – 1936 Petite Encyclopédie Populaire de la Vie Pratique.

François Coppée’s poetic ode to true wealth❦ COPPEE FRANCOIS LES VRAIS RICHES lemerre

Luxembourg Palace: Architectural Evolution❦ PALAIS DU LUXEMBOURG ET SES METAORPHOSES

Silverware design guide from 1973❦ argenterie – “Alpha décoration”

Victor Hugo Studies by Louis Veuillot❦ Hugo VEUILLOT ETUDES SUR VICTOR HUGO 1886

Colonial Sudan: The Kerdalec Family Adventure❦ Soudan LA FAMILLE KERDALEC AU SOUDAN. ESSAI DE VULGARISATION COLONIALE

Primel and Noal: A Romantic Poem with Engravings❦ BRIZEUX Auguste Marie. Poème. Primel et Noal ill-PILLE

Artois Provincial Council (1640-1790): Quest for Sovereignty❦ Artois Le Conseil Provincial d’Artois (1640-1790) – Une cour provinciale…

1967 Religious Guide to France❦ Guide religieux de la France 1967

Historical Atlas of Béarn Principality❦ Béarn Atlas Historique. Principauté du Béarn

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