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

BERNANOS The Imposture + dedication❦ BERNANOS L’imposture + dédicace

Rhine Borders: Practical Guide 1900❦ rhin GUIDES CONTY Guides pratiques Conty : Bords du Rhin 1900

Adventures and Misfortunes of Jean-Paul Choppart❦ DESNOYERS LOUIS LES MESAVENTURES DE JEAN-PAUL CHOPPART 1873

Chronicle of Frankish Kings❦ Chronique de Gregoire de Tours comprenant l’histoire des rois France 1842

Epic journey from Moscow to Irkutsk and Mexican drama❦ VERNE Michel Strogoff – Moscou – Irkoutsk. Un Drame au Mexique Hetzel globe

Complete works of Barbey d'Aurevilly❦ Barbey d’Aurevilly, Jules Amédée Les oeuvres complètes Bernouard

Collection of Fantômas novels❦ fantomas 1931 Fayard 33 titres

PRÉVERT Jacques. Spectacles, 1951

Cafés and Cabarets in Paris❦ cafés WISSANT, Georges de CAFÉS & CABARETS

The Death as portrayed by Tcherkessof❦ Maeterlinck Maurice. LA MORT illustré par Tcherkessof

Collection of Boris Vian's Literary Works❦ Boris Vian Romans, nouvelles, œuvres diverses

Illustrated prophetic almanac for 1845❦ prophétie almanach prophétique pittoresque et utile 1845 Nostradamus… gavarni

A tale of adventure and intrigue❦ DOYLE CONAN LE DRAME DU KOROSKO

Practical Guide to Fossil Identification❦ fossile DETERMINATION PRATIQUE DES FOSSILES

Riefenstahl, Leni The People of Kau

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