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

The cuckoo by Champsaur❦ Champsaur Félicien Le coucou 1905

A journey into the Russian steppe❦ TCHEKHOV ANTONE LA STEPPE 1925

Illustrated edition of Uncle Tom's Cabin❦ Stowe La Case de l’Oncle Tom 1942 illustré

Illustrated magazine on fine and applied arts❦ THE STUDIO an illustrated magazine of fine art & applied art april. 15 1903

Medieval Legend of Tristan and Isolde❦ Bédier Joseph Le roman de Tristan et Iseut PIAZZA

Secrets of Baiting Techniques❦ POUDRES SECRETES : TOUTES LES ESCHES, TOUS LES APPATS … AVEC PLUS DE..

Poetry Collection from the Beyond❦ Ici-bas- Au dela Chevet

Geneva Stories by TOPFFER❦ TOPFFER nouvelles genevoises

Folklore Studies in the West-Central Region❦ Subiet SOCIETE D’ETUDES FOLKLORIQUES DU CENTRE OUEST – LE SUBIET -1982

Birth of Modern Publishing❦ MICHEL ET CALMANN LEVY OU LA NAISSANCE DE L EDITION MODERNE 1836-1891

Normandy's Maritime Expeditions❦ Normandie HISTOIRE DES EXPEDITIONS MARITIMES DES NORMANDS ET DE LEUR..1843

Brittany during the Belle Époque❦ Bretagne THOMAS La Bretagne à la Belle Epoque

The Evolution of Ballet Art❦ L’art du Ballet des origines a nos jours

Exploring Social Changes in Caen❦ Caen. Parcours dans l’agglomération

Original illustrated edition of La Douleur❦ DAUDET La Doulou (La Douleur), 1887-1895. Le Trésor d’Arlatan

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