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

Lessons for Young Children❦ expérience du jeune âge, ou leçons d’une mère à ses enfans 1826

Beautiful handwritten letter❦ La Force lettre autographe

Modern Art and Sculptures Collection❦ Tzara Importants tableaux modernes et sculptures : collection 1988

Remarkable Year in Russia❦ KOTZBUE L’année la plus remarquable de ma vie Suivi d’une réfutation Russie 1802

General Geography - Earth Discovery❦ Géographie générale – Découverte de la Terre. 1938

Rare Works by Auguste Gaude❦ Opuscules de M. Auguste Gaude 1788

Collection of Edifying Deaths❦ RECUEIL DE MORTS EDIFIANTES 1827 missionnaire des familles chrétiennes

Museum of Timepieces❦ Horlogerie Musée de l’horlogerie Genève

Biography of Bullfighting❦ Tauromachie, biographie d’une course

Illustrated novel with etchings❦ FEUILLET O. MONSIEUR DE CAMORS 11 compositions par S. Rejchan, eaux-fortes

Exhibition Catalog from Villa Medici❦ Fragonard E H. Robert A Roma

Illustrated tales by Andersen❦ ANDERSEN contes Illustré par IVANOVSKY

Erasmus the Knight without a Horse❦ Erasme Le chevalier sans cheval 1872 MINI

1898 Edition of Grande Chartreuse❦ GRANDE CHARTREUSE 1898

War Letters by Jacques Vache❦ JACQUES VACHE LETTRES DE GUERRE GALLIMARD

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