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

French literary journal issue❦ Mercure de France, n°481, 1918 Apollinaire…

Complete Works of Gilbert❦ GILBERT OEUVRES 1826

Exploring the Red Wolves❦ Russie Dumur Louis . Les loups rouges

England under the Three Edwards❦ Angleterre ANGLETERRE SOUS LES TROIS EDOUARD, 1864

German memories and Rhine legends❦ Nerval. Souvenirs D’Allemagne. Lorely. Michel Lévy frères 1860

Inscribed copy with author's dedication❦ Marcel Moreau KAMALALAM + dédicace

Common English Language Errors and Misusages❦ Faulty Diction or Errors in the use of the English Language 1905

Correspondence between two literary figures❦ LARBAUD (Valery) & SPIRE (André). Correspondance

History of Prussia: The First Two Kings❦ WADDINGTON Histoire de Prusse Les deux premiers Rois

Discourse on the Jesuit Congregation❦ Discours de Monseigneur l’évêque d’Hermopolis sur l’existence de la congrégation

Exploring life's randomness❦ KIPLING Rudyard Au hasard de la vie 1910

Carmen by Prosper Merimée❦ MERIMÉE (Prosper) Carmen

Dictionary of Sciences and Arts Overview❦ LUNIER Dictionnaire des Sciences et des Arts…

Annual almanac for 1843❦ Annuaire pour l’an 1843, présenté au Roi, par le bureau des longitudes

Humorous depictions of comedy courts❦ Justice Les Tribunaux comiques illustrés

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