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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Books, Comics, Magazines|Collections|Books

Duc de Sully's Memoirs❦ SULLY Mémoires du Duc de Sully Bradel relieur

National Dictionary in Three Volumes❦ Bescherelle AÎNE M. Dictionnaire national 1857 en 3 volumes

Complete Works of Théophile de Viau❦ THEOPHILE DE VIAU. Oeuvres complètes bib. Elzévirienne

Ancient Epic Poetry Collection❦ Rossillon Gérard de Chanson de geste ancienne bib. Elzévirienne

Complete Works of P. de Ronsard❦ RONSARD Oeuvres complètes de P. de Ronsard bib. Elzévirienne

The Rose Novel: A 19th Century Edition❦ Le Roman de la Rose 1878 bib. Elzévirienne

1870 Fort de l'Est Chaplain's Memoir❦ 1870. Souvenirs du Fort de l’Est – près Saint-Denis – Carnet d’un aumonier

Miniature English Dictionary❦ Bryce’s Thumb English Dictionary (Miniature)

Council of Trent proceedings❦ Sacro Sancti et Oecumenici Concilii Tridentini, Paulo III. Julio III. et Pio IV

Romantic tale of Ismène and Isménias❦ CAZIN Les amours d’Ismene et d’Isménias 1783

Chivalric novel with music and catalog❦ Géneviève de Cornouailles, et le damoisel sans nom, roman de chevalerie CAZIN

Spiritual works by Père Vincent Huby❦ Huby (Vincent, Père) Oeuvres spirituelles du Père Vincent Huby 1758

Classic Fables Collection❦ Gay, John Fables by John Gay 1828

Two Sisters: Virtuous Daughters and Devoted Mother❦ Langlois Les deux soeurs, ou les bonnes filles et la bonne mère

Original edition of a unique 18th-century tale❦ cazin Le Fond du sac, ou restant des babioles 1780

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