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 Geographic Readings❦ Lectures Géographiques illustrées 1903

Songs by DESAUGIERS❦ DESAUGIERS Chansons de DÉSAUGIERS 1859

Reflections on Intellectual Action❦ Thisse REFLETS + dédicace

Montpellier: A Historical Journey❦ MONTPELLIER NAGUÈRE 1845-1944

Exhibition of French Primitives 1904❦ Les Primitifs Français exposés au Pavillon de Marsan 1904

Uncovering Parisian Treasures❦ PARIS HERON DE VILLEFOSSE TRESORS MECONNUS DE PARIS LES PUBLICATIONS TECHNIQUES

Short tales featuring Susie and butterflies❦ Susie & the butterflies & other stories

Paul Valery's Prose Art Explored❦ Paul Valery et l’art de la prose

The definitive edition by Montherlant❦ MONTHERLANT LA ROSE DE SABLE – EDITION DEFINITIVE. GALLIMARD 1968

Colmar and Its Landscapes❦ COLMAR ET SES HORIZONS 1950

Biography of Victor Hugo❦ Maurois, André Olympio ou la vie de Victor Hugo

Study on French Monarchical Institutions❦ LUCHAIRE Histoire des Institutions Monarchiques de la France sous..2/2 1883 EO

Military and Culinary Insights❦ AU MESS Marville & Autour de la gamelle

A rare journey through France❦ Zigzags en France 1905

The Leprous Women by Montherlant❦ MONTHERLANT les lépreuses / sur vélin

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