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

MONTHERLANT’s Later Reflections (1958–1964)❦ MONTHERLANT (Henry de) Va jouer avec cette poussière (Carnets 1958-1964) S.P.

1839 Legal Treatise on Justices of the Peace and Civil Courts❦ Droit traité des justices de paix et des tribunaux civils 1839

Balzac’s Intimate Portrait: Life, Temperament, and Character❦ Balzac PORTRAIT INTIME DE BALZAC, SA VIE, SON HUMEUR ET SON CARACTERE 1859

Lombardy under Bonaparte in 1819❦ Napoléon D’IVRAY (Jehan) La Lombardie au temps de Bonaparte 1919

Fifty-two portraits of Thérèse Le Prat❦ LE PRAT (Thérèse). STERN (Philippe). En votre gravité Visages

Mineral Encyclopedia 1989❦ Encyclopedie des mineraux 1989

Rare 18th-century logic treatise with new insights❦ Logique ou l’art de penser, contenant outre les règles communes 1738

Pierre Brossolette’s signed letters to poet’s daughter❦ Pierre Brossolette lettres autographes signées + carte

Babylonian Treasures Unveiled❦ Babylone Les trésors de Babylone

1960 Auto Guide for Europe & North Africa❦ Auto guide pour l’auto 1960

Bourdelle’s Message by Daniel Marquis-Sebie❦ message de Bourdelle

CUMMINS: The Lamplighter's Tale by Duval Paul❦ CUMMINS L’allumeur de réverbères Duval Paul] 1900

Selected Works of Rimbaud❦ arthur RIMBAUD Arthur Oeuvres de Jean-Arthur Rimbaud -1898

Steamship Crew Manual 1831❦ MANUEL DU CAPITAINE, DU MECANICIEN ET DU CHAUFFEUR DE BATIMENT A VAPEUR

Complete Works of Maupassant in 16 Volumes❦ MAUPASSANT Oeuvres complètes PIAZZA

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