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

Flemish-French Dictionary❦ Flamand Olinger Nouveau Dictionnaire Flamand-Francais. Nieuw Vlaemsch-Fransch

Archaeological excavation of Mir Khair necropolis in Luristan❦ Iran La nécropole de Mir Khair au Pusht-i Kuh, Luristan

Color print of the Gypaete bird❦ Oiseau Gypaete estampe couleurs

Our Theatrical Stages - Japan Paper Edition❦ Paul Margueritte Nos tréteaux ex. sur Japon

Molière's Comic Masterpiece on Laid Paper❦ Molière Monsieur de Pourceaugnac sur vergé 1876

A Book's Journey: Historical Account❦ LIVRE DELON C. HISTOIRE D UN LIVRE 1884

Memoirs of Paris: Indiscreet Chronicles❦ érotique Les cannevas de la Paris ou mémoires pour servir à l’histoire de l’hôte

Administrative and commercial yearbook of Gers department❦ Gers 1963 Annuaire administratif, statistique, historique et commercial GERS 32

The Inner Chamber - Signed Dedication Copy❦ GAUTIER, Jean-Jacques La chambre du fond + dédicace

Critical edition of a major Renaissance epic poem❦ AGRIPPA D’AUBIGNE. Les Tragiques. Edition critique… 1933

French literary tales with romantic illustrations❦ Gyp Prevost Pierre et Thérese le jardin secret le friquet l’amoureux de Line..

Literary portraits from George Eliot's works❦ Cameos from George Eliot 40 x 105 mm.

Complete Works on Minerals❦ Buffon Oeuvres complètes de Buffon MINERAUX 1835

Balzac and Hugo: Literary Insights❦ BRASILLACH Le Paris de Balzac + Hugo et le snobisme

Autograph letter from Duchess of Guise & diplomatic essay on Brabant❦ Duchesse de Guise lettre autographe + Essai de Diplomatie sur Le Brabant

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