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

Illustrated Works by Vogel❦ LES DEUX HENRI illustré par Vogel

Rare photographic negative technique guide❦ LEBELLE L”OBTENTION DU NÉGATIF PHOTOGRAPHIQUE. 1934

Through Rome's Colors❦ LARBAUD (Valery). Aux couleurs de Rome

Les Invalides: History and Architecture❦ GENERAL NIOX. L’HOTEL DES INVALIDES. 45 illustrations

Shells and Mollusks❦ coquillages ANGELETTI Les coquillages

Medieval Trade Guilds and Fraud Prevention❦ fraude Les anciennes corporations de métiers et la lutte contre la fraude

Memoirs of a courtesan, illustrated edition❦ érotique CLELAND Mémoires de Fanny Hill, femme de plaisir

Russian Opera from Glinka to Stravinsky❦ UN SIÈCLE D’OPÉRA RUSSE, de Glinka à Strawinsky

Satirical Poetry Collection by Barbier❦ BARBIER AUGUSTE NOUVELLES SATIRES Mme LAURENT, 1840. 66 x 106 mm

French Onomastics: Bibliography 1960-1985❦ onomastique française. Bibliographie des travaux publiés de

Epic journey across mythical landscapes❦ Pierre BENOIT “La Chaussée des géants”

Bordeaux Wine Estates Illustrated❦ CHATEAUX EN GIRONDE 1956

Spanish Phoenix Ceremony and Chess Game❦ COCTEAU Jean. Cérémonial espagnol du Phénix Suivi de La Partie d’échecs

Roman Church and First Empire relations 1800-1814❦ HAUSSONVILLE (Comte d’) L’Eglise Romaine et le Premier Empire 1800-1814

Electromechanical Encyclopedia Volume 5❦ électricité Petite Encyclopédie Electro-Mécanique n°5 chauffeur coducteur

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