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 century of history in Mantes❦ Mantes et Mantes la ville de 1789 à nos jours

Exploration at the edge of Europe and Asia❦ AUX CONFINS DE L’EUROPE ET DE L’ASIE 1913

Tragedy of Seneca's Death❦ TRISTAN La mort de Sénèque Tragédie Edition critique publiée par Jacques Madelei

Maritime Engineering Bicentenary 1965❦ Bi-Centenaire du Génie Maritime 1965

Monaco Coinage and Roman Bronze Collection❦ repertoire des monnaies monégasques par Jean de MEY + monnaies diverses

Virgin Mary imagery in High Auvergne❦ MAJESTES DU CANTAL – IMAGES DE LA VIERGE EN HAUTE-AUVERGNE

Life and reign of Francis I of France❦ Francois 1er GAILLARD Histoire de François Premier 1819

Saint Genevieve Mountain & surroundings❦ Montagne Ste Geneviève et ses abords 1912

Society's Ennui: Comedy in Three Acts❦ Pailleron Edouard Le monde ou l’on s’ennuie- Comédie en 3 actes 1881

The Plumed Serpent - English translation❦ LAWRENCE, D.-H. Le serpent à plumes

Anthology of the Sea❦ Florilège de la Mer JEAN MARIE illustr- Dimpre

Marshal Ney during the Hundred Days❦ Maréchal Ney, 1815

Buffet's Empire: War and Pleasure❦ Bernard Buffet – l’Empire ou les plaisirs de la guerre

Lyric Album of Modern France❦ Borel Album lyrique de la France moderne

Holy Week Service Book❦ office de la semaine sainte 1821

📦 We ship antiquarian books worldwide

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