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

Rustic and Decorative Ironwork❦ Ferronnerie, rustique et de style

Lyric Album of Modern France❦ Borel Album lyrique de la France moderne

Collected Works of J.-J. Rousseau❦ ROUSSEAU J.-J. OEUVRES DE J. J. ROUSSEAU, CITOYEN DE GENEVE 1817

French literary periodical 1916❦ Mercure de France, n°427 1916 Apollinaire…

Lamennais and Gerbet: correspondence and religious thought❦ Lamennais et Gerbet 1909

Selected stories by Alphonse Daudet❦ Daudet, Alphonse. Contes Choisis, 1880 mini

Lyrical poetry collection with romantic ballads❦ Hugo (Victor), Odes et ballades 1843

Montcalm and French Canada - Historical Account❦ Canada MONTCALM ET LE CANADA FRANCAIS 1891

Cromwell: Protectorate and Stuart Restoration❦ Cromwell Histoire du protectorat de Richard CROMWELL et du rétablissement 1856

Advanced Military Preparation in Artillery❦ Artillerie préparation militaire supérieure

Historical overview of France❦ France Histoire de France depuis l’établissement des Francs dans la Gaulle 1848

Dangerous Liaisons - Illustrated Edition❦ érotique Choderlos de Les Liaisons Dangereuses 1913

Works of French Moralists❦ LA BRUYERE. LA ROCHEFOUCAULD. VAUVENARGUES 1826

Provence Earthquake Memorial Album, June 11, 1909❦ tremblement 11/6/ 1909 ALBUM SOUVENIR DU TREMBLEMENT DE TERRE en PROVENCE

Selected works of a Genevan thinker❦ ROUSSEAU J.-J. OEUVRES DE J. J. ROUSSEAU, CITOYEN DE GENEVE 1817

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