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

Guide to BERNANOS's Works❦ BERNANOS Bibliothèque nationale

Cimabue's Crucifix Exhibition❦ Le Crucifix de Cimabue 1982

The tradition of fox hunting in England❦ La chasse à courre en Angleterre 1985

Art of Picasso in 1955❦ PICASSO 1955

Original work discussing Michelet❦ MICHELET BRUNHES 1898

Reflections and anecdotes on Caillaux❦ LE REVENANT, PROPOS ET ANECDOTES AITOUR DE CAILLAUX

Advice for Young People❦ Conseils du R.P. OLIVAINT aux Jeunes Gens.

A rare work on Charles Quint❦ CHARLES QUINT 1947

Stories about Chimneys❦ cheminée Histoires de Cheminées 2012

Self-installing bell and indicator systems❦ sonnerie Pour poser soi-même les sonneries et tableaux indicateurs

Original edition of zodiacal theme❦ DEREME Le zodiaque ou l’étoile sur paris ed originale * nté sur alfa

Inside Neighborhood Nobility❦ Noblesse de quartier a l’intérieur

Illustrated Journey of East and West❦ BUCK Pearl GIRARD-MOND Vent d’Est Vent d’Ouest illustré par Girard Mond

Exploration of Artificial Paradises❦ Baudelaire charles Les paradis artificiels

Rare art book on lacquer miniatures❦ Miniatures Sur Laque 1980

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