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 literature on America 1770-1800❦ Bibliographie critique des ouvrages français relatifs aux états-unis

Prehistoric State Formation & Development❦ Evolution of the Prehistoric State

Limited edition with illustrations❦ DUHAMEL (Georges) La pierre d’Horeb ill-Berthold Mahn

Insights on rural and urban development❦ Lumières, villes et campagnes, icomos

Biography of a Catholic Church figure❦ BAUDRILLARTVIE DE Mgr D’HULST 1912

Cadet of Colobrières in 1857❦ REYBAUD CHARLES LE CADET DE COLOBRIERES

Biography of Napoleon❦ Napoléon KIRCHEISEN Napoléon (1769-1821)

Biography of Victor Hugo❦ HUGO BARBOU (Alfred). Victor Hugo, sa vie, ses oeuvres

A classic tale with rich illustrations❦ BEECHER-STOWE La Case de l’Oncle Tom, illustrations de Leroy

Historical overview of France❦ France Histoire de France depuis l’établissement des Francs dans la Gaulle 1848

A naive genesis by Effel❦ EFFEL JEAN. LA GENESE INGENUE + dédicace

Collection of French Fables❦ LA FONTAINE fontaine 1823 80 x 118 mm.

Dangerous Liaisons - Illustrated Edition❦ érotique Choderlos de Les Liaisons Dangereuses 1913

A critical study of Figaro's marriage❦ DE BEAUMARCHAIS CARON LE MARIAGE DE FIGARO

Works of French Moralists❦ LA BRUYERE. LA ROCHEFOUCAULD. VAUVENARGUES 1826

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