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

Pacific Islands - A Year-Long World Voyage❦ Océanie En OCEANIE. Voyage Autour du Monde en 365 Jours 1888

Three Essays on Paul Valéry's Philosophy❦ VALERY (Paul) JULIEN CAIN (Lucienne). Trois essais sur Paul Valéry S.P.

Michael Hamson Oceanic Art 2018

The Nizam's War - Historical Account❦ MERY Joseph La guerre du Nizam 1847

Love in Soviet Russia - Personal Account❦ Russie Hélène Gosset Nitchevo ! l’amour en Russie soviètique avec envoi

Islands of the South Seas❦ Iles des mers du Sud

Proust's Inner Struggle: Critical Essay❦ PROUST “Le drame de Marcel Proust” MASSIS

Municipal Commission on Old Paris Records❦ PARIS COMMISSION MUNICIPALE DU VIEUX PARIS,1927

Letters to the N.R.F.: 1931-1961❦ CELINE, LOUIS-FERDINAND LETTRES A LA N.R.F.: 1931-1961) GALLIMARD

Ladies' Fashion and Society Journal 1839❦ mode Journal des Demoiselles 1839

135th Infantry Regiment History 1914-1918❦ infanterie historique du 135 e R.I. 1914-1918

Franco-Prussian War 1870: Military Account❦ GENERAL NIOX LA GUERRE DE 1870. SIMPLE RECIT

Adventure Novels Collection - 5 volumes❦ LEROUX Gaston 5 volumes

Comprehensive treatise on syphilitic diseases❦ curiosa SWEDIAUR Traité complet sur les symptômes..maladies syphilitiques 1798

Autograph manuscript letters signed❦ Dignimont lettre manuscrite autographe signée

📦 We ship antiquarian books worldwide

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