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

Historical account of the Royal Abbey of Sainte-Claire in Argentan❦ Argentan Notice historique sur l’abbaye royale de Sainte-claire d’argentan 1857

Biography of Architect Louis-Alexandre Piel❦ Architecte Notice biographique sur Louis-Alexandre Piel 1843

Collective works by Parny❦ Parny Jehenne oeuvres 1826

Prophet in a Ruined Monastery❦ Prophète du monastère ruiné 1859

Youth-oriented history of France❦ Histoire de France a l’usage de la jeunesse avec cartes géographiques 1828

Elementary Treatise on Physics❦ Physique TRAITE ELEMENTAIRE DE PHYSIQUE EXPERIMENTALE ET APPLIQUEE ET DE METEORO

Introduction to Experimental Medicine❦ BERNARD (Claude); Introduction à l’étude de la Médecine Expérimentale 1912

Intriguing Children's Tale❦ Hetzel Les mésaventures de Jean-Paul Choppart Hetzel

Miniature work on the Savior's complaints❦ mini Plaintes et complaisances du Sauveur 1830

Family documents and memories❦ TURQUAN LA BELLE PAMELA 1773-1831 D’APRES DES CORRESPONDANCE

Hokusai: A Pioneer of Japanese Printmaking❦ HOKUSAI UN MAITRE DE L ESTAMPE JAPONAISE

Exhibition catalog of Zurbaran❦ Zurbaran Grand Palais 1988

Private Life of Napoleon❦ napoléon Aubry Octave Vie privée de Napoléon

Youthful Virtues and Notable Histories❦ Beaux traits du jeune age, suivis de l’histoire…1813

Exploration of Global Hunting❦ chasse a travers le monde

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