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

Biography of the Curé d'Ars❦ Curé d’Ars biographie de M. le curé d’Ars 1857

The Tale of Bluebeard❦ PERRAULT, Charles LA BARBE- BLEUE. Bois de Joris Minne 1944

Practical Wine Analysis: Fermentation & Adulteration❦ Vin Manuel pratique d’analyse des vins, fermentations, alcoolisation, falsificat

A Traveler's Dream❦ FONTENOY Jean Le Songe du Voyageur

Gascony's Satirical Writings❦ Gascogne LAS PAPILHôTOS texte gascon

True Chronicles of Sir John le Bel❦ Vrayes Chroniques de Messire Jehan le Bel. Histoire vraye et notable

Appendix to The Genius of Christianity❦ CHATEAUBRIAND François-Auguste appendice du Génie du Christianisme 1802

Stendhal's exploration of love and identity❦ STENDHAL Lamiel 1926

Elements of Physiology - 1825 Edition❦ physiologie RICHERAND Elémens de Physiologie 1825

Contemporary Asian designs engraved on Steuben crystal❦ ASIAN ARTISTS IN CRYSTAL, Designs by Contemporary Asian Artists Engraved

Czechoslovak Embroidery Techniques❦ Broderies tchéco-slovaques Dillmont

Medical Clinical Cases from Hotel-Dieu de Paris❦ TROUSSEAU Clinique Médicale de l’Hotel-Dieu de Paris 1877

World voyage by order of the Emperor❦ LÜTKE Frédéric 1797-1882 Voyage autour du monde fait par ordre de Sa Majesté

Posthumous Works Collection❦ MUSSET Oeuvres posthumes 1876 sur vergé

Medieval Life: 30 Years of Alsatian Archaeology❦ Vivre au Moyen Age : 30 ans d’archéologie médiévale en Alsace

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