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

A charming story collection❦ Tante Colette La Flûte enchantée

A tale of mischief and fantasy❦ KIPLING Rudyard Puck, Lutin de la colline

Exhibition catalog of Balthus❦ Balthus Pompidou 1984

Reflections on language and identity❦ SARTRE JEAN PAUL LES MOTS GALLIMARD EO

Chronicles of Paris during the Pasquier Era❦ Duhamel DUHAMEL Chronique de Paris au temps des Pasquier

Guide to Wine and Brewing❦ Vin LÉCHALET LA CAVE BOURGEOISE 1909

Gallant Lives of Noble Women❦ SEIGNEUR DE BRANTOME Vies des Dames Galantes 1868

Treasures of European Princes❦ Habsburg Trésors des princes d’Europe

Claudine's Schooldays❦ COLETTE Claudine à l’école

A history of French coins❦ Monnaies françaises : 1789-1979

Journey Through the Middle Ages❦ Moyen âge. illustré Labroue A travers le

Two novels by BOYLESVE: social comedy and domestic life❦ BOYLESVE MADEMOISELLE CLOQUE – La BECQUEE

Art History Vol. 3: Early Christian to Medieval Treasures❦ ARTS PALEOCHRETIEN, COPTE, BYSANTIN, MEDIEVAL, ROMAN

Wildlife Exploration by Grey Owl❦ Homme et des Bêtes, [Pilgrims of the wild] 1937

Comprehensive account of Iéna's events❦ Napoléon Lachouque” Iéna “1961

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