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

Raphaël Esmerian Library❦ Bibliothèque Raphaël Esmerian

RABELAIS Works of Rabelais 1823 Deveria❦ RABELAIS Oeuvres de Rabelais 1823 Deveria

Mirabeau Esprit de Mirabeau or Manual for the Statesman 1797❦ Mirabeau Esprit de Mirabeau ou manuel de l’homme d’état 1797

Paul Valéry, Translation in Verse of Virgil’s Bucolics❦ VALERY PAUL TRADUCTION EN VERS DES BUCOLIQUES DE VIRGiLE SP

Cardinal de Retz, Mémoires du Cardinal de Retz, 1817❦ RETZ Cardinal Mémoires du Cardinal DE RETZ 1817

André Breton. Ode to Charles Fourier. 1947❦ BRETON (André). Ode à Charles Fourier. 1947

Massenet 2 autograph manuscript signed tickets❦ Massenet 2 billets autographes manuscrits & signés

FOSSET Adolphe ‎Encyclopédie domestique, arts et métiers, économie rurale 1830❦ FOSSET Adolphe ‎Encyclopédie domestique,arts et métiers, économie rurale 1830

BERNARDIN DE SAINT PIERRE, Studies & Harmony of Nature❦ BERNARDIN DE SAINT PIERRE, Etudes & harmonie de la Nature

Tablets of Historical Events & Anecdotes of the Kings of France from Pharamond to❦ Tablettes Historiques & Anecdotes des Rois de France depuis Pharamond Jusqu’a

Atlas, Voyage du Jeune Anacharsis en Grèce, 1789❦ ATLAS Voyage du Jeune Anacharsis en Grèce 1789

Latin Dictionary Ambrosii Calepini Dictionarium 17th century❦ Latin dictionnaire Ambrosii Calepini dictionarium XVII ème

VAN DEN BROEK D'OBRENAN Valéry Paul Le voyage de "la Korrigane"❦ VAN DEN BROEK D’OBRENAN VALERY Paul Le voyage de “la Korrigane”

Bibliothèque R. and B. L. Giquello Sotheby's❦ Bibliothèque R. et B. L. Giquello Sotheby’s

Enluminure originale 16th century, 140 x 145 mm. REBUS❦ Enluminure originale XVIè siècle, 140 x 145 mm. REBUS

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