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

BASTIANI ANGE IRIS 1970

AICARD BENJAMINE, Les Deux Étreintes Daudet❦ AICARD BENJAMINE les deux étreintes Daudet

Marquis Antonio de Hoyos y Vinent Le Monstre Veuve

Ségur, Le Mauvais génie, Bibliothèque rose, 1914❦ Ségur Le Mauvais génie Bibliothèque rose, 1914

Le général Dourakine❦ SEGUR illustré (BAYARD E.) Le général Dourakine

The Safeguarding of French Art. Notebooks No. 21 Assistance for Rural Churches❦ La sauvegarde de l’Art Français. Cahiers n° 21 Aide aux églises rurales

LACRETELLE The Return of Silbermann 165 x 110 mm.❦ LACRETELLE Le retour de Silbermann 165 x 110 mm.

The Safeguarding of French Art. Notebooks No. 20 Assistance to Rural Churches❦ La sauvegarde de l’Art Français. Cahiers n° 20 Aide aux églises rurales

An Old Gentleman in Good Condition❦ Willy (Colette) Un Petit Vieux Bien Propre

small Snow Fairy, illustrated by Cambier and Duval❦ petite Fée des Neiges ill. de cambier et Duval

The Herault of Yesteryear 1983❦ L’Hérault d’autrefois 1983

Stowe The Cabin of Uncle Tom 1942 illustrated❦ Stowe La Case de l’Oncle Tom 1942 illustré

Carnaval dunkerquois and the giants 1975❦ Carnaval dunkerquois et les géants 1975

Valéry L'Idée Fixe 1934, SP NRF white❦ Valéry L’Idée Fixe 1934, SP NRF blanche

MAC COY J'aurais dû rester chez nous Gallimard Blanche❦ MAC COY J’aurais du rester chez nous Gallimard blanche

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