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 comprehensive look at Pop Art❦ Pop Art 1990 Livingstone

National Gallery picture catalogue❦ Descriptive & historical catalogue of the pictures in the National gallery 1857

Employee manual for Paris tax administration❦ Administration de l’Octroi de Paris Manuel de l’employé 1933

Adventures of Fanny Trousecottes❦ Erotique FANNY- OU LA VERIDIQUE HISTOIRE DES AVENTURES DE FANNY TROUSSECOTTES

Biographical Notice on Auguste de La Rive❦ Auguste de La Rive. Notice biographique

A tale of fear and adventure❦ CATALANY. Après l’épouvante. Bonne Presse l’aventure d’André Chérance

History of Arms from Stone Age❦ arme MAINDRON 1890 LES ARMES

Overview of the French Army (1789-1807)❦ Soldaten im bunten rock 2 : Die französische Armee (1789-1807)

First Edition with Author's Dedication❦ Muhlfeld L’Associée 1903 envoi

Sky and Its Bell Towers❦ Clocher CIEL ET SES CLOCHERS-Envoi Daniel Jacomet 1954

Pleasures and Games in Memoirs❦ LES PLAISIRS ET LES JEUX -sur vélin nté 1930 orné o fortes & aquatintes

Exhibition catalog for Gide's centenary❦ Gide CENTENAIRE CATALOGUE EXPO BIBLIOTHEQUE NATIONALE 1970

Voltaire's Legal Advocacy❦ VOLTAIRE AVOCAT – CALAS, SIRVEN ET AUTRES AFFAIRES

Economic and Social Aspects of French Society❦ ETAT, L’ECONOMIE ET LA SOCIETE FRANCAISE XIXe-XXe

New translation of Bacon's Essays❦ François Bacon ESSAIS

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