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

Figaro's 1875 Annual: Illustrated Chronicle❦ FIGARO L’ALBUM DU FIGARO 1875

Autograph manuscript letters signed❦ Dignimont lettre manuscrite autographe signée

Journeys through Gascony: In the footsteps of d'Artagnan❦ PROMENADES EN GASCOGNE EN VISITE CHEZ D’ARTAGNAN ET AUTRES MOUSQUETAIRES GASCONS

Architectural styles across all nations❦ architecte Barberot Histoire des styles d’architecture dans tous les pays 1891

Bibliophile's Almanac 1898❦ Almanach du Bibliophile. 1898 Pelletan

Disillusioned Women❦ LOTI Pierre Les désenchantées

Lithographs of Pablo Picasso❦ Picasso Pablo Picasso. Die Lithographien

Gallic Customs and Curious Origins❦ Me de Renneville Coutumes gauloises ou origines curieuses et peu connues

Festival before another night of long knives❦ RAPHAEL Maurice Le Festival Avant que ne tombe une autre nuit des longs couteaux

History of Chemical Doctrines❦ chimie Histoire des doctrines chimiques depuis Lavoisier 1869

The Feathered Serpent❦ LAWRENCE, D.-H. Le serpent à plumes

Medical treatise on involuntary seminal losses❦ érotique Des pertes séminales involontaires 1836

Complete Works of Citizen ROUSSEAU❦ ROUSSEAU J.-J. OEUVRES DE J. J. ROUSSEAU, CITOYEN DE GENEVE 1817

A daughter's corruption and moral degradation❦ SADE, Marquis de EUGÉNIE DE FRANVAL HUGO

Illustrated Publication from 1940❦ L’ILLUSTRATION. N°5077 – Edité à Bordeaux 22 juin 1940

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