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

The splendor of Fontainebleau❦ FONTAINEBLEAU Le chateau de fontainebleau et la cour de françois 1e

Art and Comfort in Modern Life❦ HAVARD H. L’art et le confort dans la vie moderne Le bon vieux temps

A poignant exploration of forbidden love❦ DURAS Marguerite L’AMANT 1984

Biography of Balzac❦ BILLY, VIE DE BALZAC 1944

Geology and resources of the Sahara❦ SAHARA FURON LE SAHARA, GEOLOGIE, RESSOURCES MINERALES, MISE EN VALEUR

Rare work on Charolais Castle❦ Charolais le chateau de charolais par Capon 1923

Illustrated work by Wild❦ KNITTEL John Thérèse Etienne. illustré par Wild

A Rare Work on Incurables❦ LES INCURABLES a propos d’une brochure récente Vcte de Caumont 1883

A Perfect Gentleman and Other Stories❦ PARFAIT GENTILHOMME ET QUELQUES AUTRES 1924

Islamic Cities: Architectural and Cultural Heritage❦ Cités d’islam Arthaud

Violet Frères Byrrh advertising brochure❦ BYRRH Violet Frères. Byrrh. Brochure publicitaire

Modern Man: A Literary Perspective❦ STROWSKI Fortunat L’homme moderne 1931 sur vélin nté

Two plays exploring existential themes❦ CAMUS LE MALENTENDU CALIGULA NRF blanche

The Man Who Assassinated❦ FARRERE CLAUDE L HOMME QUI ASSASSINA / GRAVURE DE CHARLES FOUQUERAY

Singing Almanac from 1886❦ Almanach chantant 1886

📦 We ship antiquarian books worldwide

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