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

The Comtesse's Story in Three Volumes❦ Dash LA DUCHESSE DE LAUZUN (complet en 3 volumes)

The King at Play❦ Hugo Le roi s’amuse

Casual history of Surrealism❦ SURRÉALISME Histoire désinvolte du surréalisme /rappel au désordre

Historical and Artistic Journeys in Italy❦ Valery Voyages historiques, littéraires et artistiques en Italie 1838

Exposé of Women by Jean Paul❦ Mini Entlarvung der Weiber durch Jean Paul 83 x 105 mm.

Illustrated works by Daudet❦ Daudet La petite paroisse, Fédor, Pages de vie, premier mensonge

Charcot and the Legacy of French Polar Expeditions❦ Charcot et la continuité des missions polaires françaises : 1936-1996

Guide to Urban Dining for Writers❦ dîner L’art de diner en ville à l’usage des gens de Lettres… 1861

French Ballads Anthology with Dedication❦ ANTHOLOGIE DES BALLADES FRANCAISES + dédicace

History of the Abbey of Saint-Wandrille❦ HISTOIRE DE L’ABBAÏE [ABBAYE] SAINT VANDRILLE 1936

Chronicles of Jehan le Bel❦ Vrayes Chroniques de Messire Jehan le Bel. Histoire vraye et notable

The Holy Church in the Apostolic Age❦ Sainte Église au Siècle des Apôtres 1896

Anecdote and Reflections on German Theater❦ CONSTANT Adolphe. Anecdote trouvée dans les papiers d’un inconnu 1857

Light Rhymes and Songs❦ musique RIMES LEGERES. CHANSONS ET ODELETTES. EO 1851

A tale of three beautiful princesses❦ Rip l’Endormi – le legs du Maure – légende des trois belles princesses

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