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

Autographed letter by André Foulon de Vaulx❦ André Foulon de VAULX lettre autographe manuscrite & signée

A thrilling adventure tale❦ Desbeaux L’aventure de Paul Solange 1888 plat historié

Genealogical Handbook from 1883❦ Gothaisches genealogisches Taschenbuch auf das Jahr 1883

Rare novel with illustrations❦ SILVESTRE L’effroi des Bégueules

History of Burgundy❦ Bourgogne Histoire de Bourgogne 1909

English Letters - Story of Miss Harlove❦ HARLOVE Lettres Angloises ou Histoire de Miss Harlove 1751

Political customs of the Germans❦ Les moeurs politique des allemands 1894

Petrodvorets, Pushkin & Pavlovsk: Ruins and Renewal❦ Russie Petrodvorets Pouchkine Pavlovsk ruines et renouveau

Original work on a black idol's guardian❦ MAINDRON La Gardienne de l’idole noire 1910

Edifying Lives of Three Young Women❦ Trois Héroines Chrétiennes ou Vies Édifiantes de Trois Jeunes Demoiselles 1810

Essays on Women and Love❦ STAHL L’ESPRIT DES FEMMES ET LES FEMMES D’ESPRIT, DE L’AMOUR ET DE LA JALOUSIE

Life and Works of LOUBON❦ LOUBON. Sa vie, son oeuvre 1973

Guide to Excursions from Grenoble❦ Grenoble considéré comme centre d’excursions 1902

Poems on Misery and Pity❦ DELILLE MALHEUR ET PITIE – SUIVI DE LA CONVERSATION, POEMES 1834

Origins of European Misfortune❦ origines du malheur europeen : l’aide anglo-française à la domination prussienne

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