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 tale of General Dourakine❦ Russie LE GENERAL DOURAKINE illustré Matéja d’après la Contesse de Ségur

Guidelines for maritime operations❦ MARINE manuel de menoeuvrier 1924

Short stories and tales❦ mini. MUSSET ALFRED NOUVELLES & CONTES

Occult sciences examined❦ Sciences occultes ne sont pas des sciences

Anémone's adventures in a starry land❦ Anémone au pays des étoiles 1946

Unknown Utopist about Louis XIII❦ utopiste inconnu. Les Codicilles de Louis XIII

Exploration of Sacred India❦ Inde sacrée des Sadhus

Rustic art in Auvergne❦ Auvergne L’ART RUSTIQUE EN FRANCE 1933

Overview of French Tapestry Art❦ Gobelins (1662-1962). Trois siècles de tapisserie française.

Art and Architecture of Normandy❦ Normandie HUARD, G. L’Art en Normandie 1928

Telemachus adventures - rare leather binding❦ Fénélon Aventures de Télémaque Tarlier

Historic Tours and Loire Valley Châteaux❦ Tours DU VIEUX TOURS AUX CHATEAUX DE LA LOIRE 1924

Witty Word Games from M. de Biévre❦ Biévriana, ou jeux de mots de M. de Biévre 1814

Suburban Beauty - Numbered Edition on Cream Vellum❦ RÉDA Beauté suburbaine/vélin crème

Gauguin's Artistic Vision and Philosophy❦ Gauguin La Vision de Gauguin

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