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

Monaco’s business advantages in 1961❦ Monaco Les avantages que la Principauté de Monaco peut offrir à une entreprise

Guizot’s Memoirs on the Restoration Era❦ Guizot Mémoires pour servir a l’histoire de mon temps 1858

1962 Gastronomic Guide to French Regions❦ gastronomie Guide Kléber-Colombes des touristes gastronomes 1962

ARTHUR BUTCHER: Cellist❦ violoncelliste ARTHUR BUTCHER

GASQUET's Secret Hearth with Author's Inscription❦ GASQUET JOACHIM LE BUCHER SECRET + dédicace

19th-century French theatrical repertoire collection❦ répertoire du gymnase dramatique, monomanie, baron de Trenck, la somnanbule

Venus Cross by Plisnier with Dignimont's illustrations❦ Dignimont Croix de Vénus. Illustrations de A. Dignimont

Ravel through the eyes of his intimates❦ Ravel par quelques-uns de ses familiers

The Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie in Paris❦ Paris LA SAINTE-CHAPELLE ET LA CONCIERGERIE

Fortunio’s Eldorado: Rare Gautier Illustrated by Bécat❦ Gautier Fortunio ou l’Eldorado ill-Bécat

French postcard of La Teste-de-Buch❦ LA TRESNE 33 GIRONDE – LA POSTE

Raphael Kirchner: Art Nouveau Legends❦ KIRCHNER Raphael Kirchner Jugendstil SANTOY

Selected Works by Mme de Grafigny & Letters by Aza Cazin❦ Mme de Grafigny Oeuvres choisies de Mme de Grafigny, et Lettres d’Aza CAZIN

1878 World's Fair Visitor Guide❦ exposition universelle de 1878 guide du visiteur

Theodoric the Great: A Historical Account❦ Histoire de Théodose le Grand d’après Fléchier. 1850

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