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

Essays on the novel and its themes❦ SARRAUTE (Nathalie). L’ère du soupçon. Essais sur le roman S.P. + dédicace

On the Education of Girls❦ Fenelon, Messire De l’éducation des filles 1809

The Roots of Heaven❦ GARY ROMAIN LES RACINES DU CIEL S.P.

Muses Almanac, Year 1783❦ Almanach des muses, 1783

Misleading Expectations with Dedication❦ DÉON (Michel) Les trompeuses espérances + dédicace

My Uncle Thomas by PIGAULT-LEBRUN (1800)❦ PIGAULT-LEBRUN Mon Oncle Thomas 1800

Marc Seguin's take on 'Les Fleurs du Mal'❦ SEGUIN MARC GENIE DES FLEURS DU MAL + dédicace

Reflections on time and existence❦ BRASILLACH ROBERT COMME LE TEMPS PASSE..

Original edition with author dedication❦ ROMAINS (Jules) Pour raison garder + dédicace

Insights of a Dramatic Author❦ Confessions d’un auteur dramatique + dédicace

Imprisoned Poets - Poetry Anthology 1943❦ POETES PRISONNIERS. CAHIER SPECIAL DE POESIE 1943

Dazzling Visions - Poetry Collection❦ NOAILLES Comtesse de LES EBLOUISSEMENTS 1925

Signed work by Christian Murciaux❦ MURCIAUX Le Gros Lot + dédicace

Previously Unseen Legacy of a Marshal❦ FILS OCCULTE du MARECHAL LANNES, DUC de Montebello

REMY DE GOURMONT Through Medical Lens❦ Remy de Gourmont, vu par son médecin

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