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

Chambray’s Philosophy of War with Essays❦ CHAMBRAY Philosophie de la Guerre. Suivie de Mélanges 1829

Manual for Retired Priests❦ prêtre VALUY MANUEL DU PRETRE EN RETRAITE 1860

Exploration of Troubadour Art❦ peinture troubadour – deux artistes lyonnais : Pierre Revoil & Fleury Richard

Denmark: From Origins to 1945❦ DANEMARK, des origines à 1945

Paul Solange's Adventure❦ DESBEAUX Aventure de Paul Solange

Royal Academy of French Language Medal❦ Académie royale de la langue et de littérature française – cuivre 71 mm.

Gypsy Magic and Mysteries❦ Magie des bohémiens. SERGE Magie des bohémiens

The Bloodthirsty Pacifist❦ JOLINON Joseph Le Pacifiste Sanguinaire+dédicace

First issue of La table ronde 1946❦ La table ronde, premier cahier 1946 La table ronde H. C.

Law of the Maximum from 1927❦ loi du maximum 1927

Flamboyant Sculpture: Major Western Imagery❦ SCULPTURE FLAMBOYANTE – LES GRANDES IMAGIERS D’OCCIDENT

Shakespearean miniatures from 1848❦ mini tales from shakspeare 1848

Directory of Judiciary and Legal Professions❦ Agenda et Annuaire de la Magistrature, du Barreau, du Notariat 1898

The Genius of Christianity❦ CHATEAUBRIAND GENIE DU CHRISTIANISME 1802

Fingers as Painting Medium❦ Arnulf Rainer – Die Finger malen +

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