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

Romanesque art in Poitou❦ Poitou L’Art Roman en Poitou

Reflections on the franc and other topics❦ KEYNES Réflexions sur le franc et quelques autres sujets 1928

An Illustrated Exploration of Latin Eroticism❦ érotique CHAMPSAUR L’Orgie Latine 1918

Exploration of the Sahara❦ SAHARA. A L’HEURE DE LA DECOUVERTE 1958

French Faience from 1525 to 1820❦ faïence française de 1525 à 1820 Pavillon de Marsan 1932

Intriguing tale of infidelity❦ Jules ROY LA FEMME INFIDELE + dédicace

Diary of a Country Priest❦ LAMARTINE Jocelyn : journal trouvé chez un curé de campagne 1855

Collection of Stories and Parables❦ Bonaventure: Suite des Histoires et Paraboles

Seventeenth Century Engraving❦ gravure pieuse 17 ème Crucifixion

Biography of Madame Roland❦ Vie de Madame Roland + dédicace

Exhibition catalog of Gallé's work❦ Gallé 1985 musée du Luxembourg

Accusation against Lord Eldon❦ ABERCROMBIE Accusation portée dans la chambre des communes, contre Lord Eldon

A biography of Mlle de Lespinasse❦ ALEMBERT Le tombeau de Mlle de Lespinasse 1879

Transition from street to pedestrian zone❦ Rue de la rue à la zone piétonnière

Life at Sea in Claude Farrere's Night❦ FARRERE CLAUDE LA NUIT EN MER 1928

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