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

The Works of Boileau❦ BOILEAU Oeuvres de Boileau Despréaux 1799

Across Tundra and Glaciers: A 1945 Adventure❦ A TRAVERS TOUNDRA ET GLACIERS / COLLECTION VOYAGES ET AVENTURES

Autographed postcard from Julien Benda❦ Julien Benda carte autographe

Transatlantic ocean liners photography collection❦ FRENCH LINE S/S LIBERTE & FLANDRE 200 x 240 mm & 240 x 170. photos argentiques

Comic albums and arithmetic sketches from 1858❦ Cham L’arithmétique, Les courses, Souvenirs comiques de l’an 1858…19 ALBUMS

Love and Gallant Poems - Four Volume Collection❦ POEMES AMOUREUX ET GALANTS DEMAZIERE

Van Oest Publisher Catalog 1904-1929❦ Editions Van Oest 1904-1929, catalogue général Les éditions G. Van Oest

Medieval epic poem - Elzevir edition❦ Rossillon Gérard de Chanson de geste ancienne bib. Elzévirienne

The Hearts of Others - Author's Inscription❦ MARCEL Gabriel Broché – Le coeur des autres + dédicace

Scientific progress and mechanical innovation foresight❦ SF Wells Anticipations Ou de l’influence du progrès mécanique et scientifique EO

Treacherous Novel with Author's Inscription❦ NIMIER (Roger) Perfide S.P. + dédicace

Maurice DRUON - Silver gelatin photograph❦ Maurice DRUON 90 x 123 mm. photo argentique

Complete Encyclopedia of Sexual Life❦ Curiosa L’AMOUR PARFAIT – ENCYCLOPEDIE COMPLETE DE LA VIE SEXUELLE

Grace Kelly & Prince Rainier III Monaco Silver Print Photograph❦ Monaco photo originale argentique Grace Kelly Prince Reignier…

General Maillard vintage photograph with dedication❦ Photo ancienne GENERAL MAILLARD 170 x 105 mm. + dédicace

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