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

Poems on Misery and Pity❦ DELILLE MALHEUR ET PITIE – SUIVI DE LA CONVERSATION, POEMES 1834

Rare cheerful French songbook❦ Mini Gaudriole Chansonnier Joyeux, Facetieux et Grivois

Collected Works of J.F. Ducis❦ DUCIS (J.F.). Oeuvres 1827

Literary and philosophical discussions❦ Hugo (Victor) LITTERATURE ET PHILOSOPHIE MELEES 1834

Biography of Wellington❦ WELLINGTON 1769-1852

Madeleine - Youth Edition❦ SANDEAU JULES MADELEINE Hetzel

Art Miniatures of Modern Dollhouses❦ MINIATURES D’ART LES MAISONS DE POUPEES D’AUJOURD’HUI

Legends of the Canadian Pacific❦ Canada SIMPSON Legendes du St.-Laurent Pacifique Canadien

Carmen by MERIMEE❦ MERIMEE Carmen, Calmann Lévy 1884

Reflections on religion and politics❦ Barbey d’Aurevilly Philosophes et écrivains religieux et politiques 1909

View of Rouen with Reception Speech❦ ROUEN Vue de Rouen. Discours de réception à l’Académie + dédicace

Comprehensive Dictionary of Works❦ DICTIONNAIRE DES OEUVRES DE TOUS LES TEMPS ET DE TOUS LES PAYS

Maurice RAPHAEL's Crime Novel❦ RAPHAEL Maurice Le Festival Avant que ne tombe une autre nuit des longs couteaux

Journey through the Pacific❦ voyages de Bougainville. PACIFIQUE

Practical Guide for Art Restoration❦ RIS-PAQUOT Guide pratique du Restaurateur-Amateur de Tableaux, 1890

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