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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Our Antiquarian Books Catalog

Gascogne travelogue by Ardouin-Dumazet, 1903❦ Gascogne Ardouin-Dumazet VOYAGE EN FRANCE.GASCOGNE 1903

Xavier de Maistre’s introspective journey and tales❦ MAISTRE Voyage autour de ma chambre suivi de le lépreux de la cité d’Aoste…

Historical Anecdotes and Famous Examples 1829❦ LES EXEMPLES Célèbres 1829

Carbonari and Freemasonry in Italy's National Revival❦ Charbonnerie et maçonnerie dans le réveil national italien 1928

Roman History in 10 Volumes, 1862❦ ROMAIN ROLLIN HISTOIRE ROMAINE 1862

Robert Merle’s Second Volume of Plays❦ MERLE Robert. Théâtre. Tome II + dédicace

Proust’s Era: 1871–1922❦ MARCEL PROUST AND HIS TIME 1871-1922

History of the Terror in Bordeaux❦ BORDEAUX VIVIE (Aurélien). Histoire de la Terreur à Bordeaux 1877

Rustic and Stylish Ironwork❦ Ferronnerie, rustique et de style

Breton Muse: 1850–1950 Art from Rennes❦ bretagne Muse bretonne Collections du musée des Beaux-Arts de Rennes 1850 à 1950

Moral tales for children with rare illustrations❦ Le petit Samson suivi des petits indépendants 1828

Victor Hugo’s epic poetic saga in three volumes❦ Hugo Victor La légende des siècles HETZEL

Heine’s Witty Portrait of 19th-Century France❦ HEINE, Henri DE LA FRANCE 1857

Three mischievous boys in 1930s Paris❦ LAUWICK Hervé LES TROIS GOSSES ill-Pecqueriaux

Reflections on Dance with Lithographs by Barette❦ danse VAILLAT (Alexandre) illust.BARETTE Réflexions sur la Danse

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