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

Channel Pilot: NW France & Channel Islands 1938❦ Channel Pilot; Part II: Comprising the North-Western and Northern Coasts of F…

London’s National Gallery in early 20th-century art❦ LONDRES. LA NATIONAL GALLERY

SACHA GUITRY: A Rare Play on Illness❦ GUITRY LA MALADIE ex H.C.

1845 Illustrated History of French Penal Colonies❦ Bagnes Bagnes Histoire, types, murs, mystères 1845

Material interests of Central France, 1842❦ Centre des intérêts matériels du centre de la France 1842

Palissot’s collected works from 1788❦ PALISSOT Charles Oeuvres de M. de Palissot 1788

Medieval Visual and Gestural Language❦ Voir et comprendre au Moyen Age, visuelle et gestuelle

Chateaubriand’s complete works in 5 volumes❦ chateaubriand 5 volume, Atala,Natchez,études,politique,études Penaud

Legendary Heroes and Their True Tales❦ Hervilly Henri Pille, Héros légendaires, leur histoire véritable

Nile: Banks of the Nile, 1913❦ Nile The Banks of the Nile 1913

Figueras' memoir of a Parisian parish❦ FIGUERASSAINT-NICOLAS-DU-CHARDONNET

1927 guide to French wines: Anjou to Champagne❦ Montorgueil Georges & Carlègle Monseigneur le vin 1927 livre 4 ème

Parisian Grand Hotels and Department Stores in the 19th Century❦ LOUVRE Grand Hôtel et Grands Magasins PARIS

Bernard of Clairvaux: 1953 Burgundy Congress Proceedings❦ Saint Bernard Congrès de l’Association bourguignonne des sociétés

Rousseau’s Solitary Reveries: Critical Edition❦ ROUSSEAU Jean-Jacques; John S. Spink Les Reveries du Promeneur Solitaire

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