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

Historic Building in Berry: Habitat Knowledge❦ Bâti ancien EN BERRY Connaissance de l’habitat existant

Rodin's Artistic Legacy❦ RODIN ARTED, 1972

Confidential Memoirs of Lucien Bonaparte❦ MEMOIRES SECRETS sur LA VIE PRIVEE, POLITIQUE et LITTERAIRE de LUCIEN BONAPARTE

The Art of Love❦ Ovide L’ART D’AIMER

Prose poems exploring urban melancholy❦ Baudelaire Charles “Le Spleen de Paris” – Poëmes en prose

Comprehensive guide to modern ballet❦ danse Dictionnaire du ballet moderne 1957

Study of Earth's Waterways❦ BORY Paul Les Artères du Globe. Saillies et Dépressions – La Genèse des Fle..

A poignant exploration of forbidden love❦ DURAS Marguerite L’AMANT 1984

Folk Studies Journal Compilation❦ Subiet SOCIETE FOLKLORIQUES DU CENTRE OUEST – LE SUBIET – TOME XIII -1979

Occult documents on Fareinists❦ Occulte documents pour l’histoire des Fareinistes LES ILLUMINES DE FAREINS

Selected Works of Piron❦ CAZIN OEUVRES CHOISIES DE PIRON – 1777

Exploration of Platonic Love in Chivalry❦ Mystères de la chevalerie et de l’amour platonique au Moyen Âge

Novel exploring contrasting ideas❦ HUXLEY (Aldus). Contrepoint. Roman, traduit de l’anglais par J. Castier

Illustrated work on painting❦ peinture F. Meaulle Et moi aussi, je suis Peintre ! Cent gravures et croquis

Abbey Records of Saint Martin❦ CARTULAIRE DE L’ABBAYE DE SAINT MARTIN DE PONTOISE 1904

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