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|Antique and Collectible Books

Industrie: the French industrialist, scientific, literary & economic journal, 1859–1863❦ Industrie l’industriel français, journal scientifique, litt- & d’éco 1859-1863

Letters autograph manuscript to Fernand Gregh, Georges Bourdon❦ lettres autographes manuscrites à Fernand Gregh, Georges Bourdon

Studio Art & Crafts: The Studio Magazine of Fine and Applied Art, 1911❦ STUDIO art & Crafts The Studio Magazine of Fine and Applied Art 1911

Jean de La Bruyère, LES CARACTÈRES DE THÉOPHRASTE, 1741❦ caractères LA BRUYERE Jean de LES CARACTÈRES DE THÉOPHRASTE 1741

Geography Eased and Methodical 1692❦ Géographie aisée et méthodique 1692

HORNBILL AND DRAGON. Kalimantan, Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei Jakarta

Victor Brochard 3 autographed signed letters❦ autographes signées Victor Brochard 3 belles lettres

MAXENCE Jean Pierre Histoire de dix ans. 1927 SP + inscribed presentation copy❦ MAXENCE Jean Pierre Histoire de dix ans. 1927 SP + dédicace

Dictionary of Architecture, or Explanations of All Terms, 1730❦ DEVILER Dictionnaire d’Architecture, ou Explications de tous les Termes, 1730

Chateaubriand Œuvres Complètes Ladvocat 1826❦ Chateaubriand Oeuvres Complètes Ladvocat 1826 EO

Press qualitative survey on 14 press/periodical supports 1957❦ Presse enquète qualitative sur 14 supports de presse / périodique 1957

Studio: An Illustrated Magazine of Fine and Applied Art 1903❦ STUDIO The Studio: An Illustrated Magazine of Fine and Applied Art 1903

Guillaume the Frank Speaker, or Observations on Morals❦ Guillaume le Franc parleur ou observations sur les moeurs..

Dante RIVAROL The Inferno, a poem by Dante 1788❦ Dante RIVAROL L’enfer, poème du Dante 1788

Pharmacopée française 1949 CODEX FRANÇAIS❦ Pharmacopée française 1949 CODEX FRANCAIS

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