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

An Implausible Indian Tale❦ Curiosa DE LA MORLIERE. ANGOLA. Histoire indienne. Ouvrage sans vraisemblance.

Greatness and Miseries of Victory❦ CLEMENCEAU Grandeurs et misères d’une victoire

London's National Gallery: Illustrated Guide❦ LONDRES. LA NATIONAL GALLERY

Theory of Music by Danhauser❦ Musique DANHAUSER A. THEORIE DE LA MUSIQUE 1889

Historical scenes of the Ligue❦ Ligue VITET LA LIGUE , précédée des ETATS D’ORLEANS, Scènes historiques 1..

Comparative physiology of humans and animals❦ Dugès Traité de physiologie comparée de l’homme et des animaux 1839

The cursed peak by Henri Pain❦ Pain Henri Le pic maudit 1920. Envoi de l’auteur

Definitive edition with etching❦ Theophile Gautier EMAUX ET CAMEES. Edition definitive Avec-une eau-forte

Explorations of Torture Practices❦ Torture MUSEE DES SUPPLICES

Autographed letter from a French statesman❦ Casimir-Périer lettre autographe manuscrite & signée

Autographed letter to poet Fernand Gregh❦ DANIEL HALEVY belle lettre autographe manuscrite

French Army in 1845 Overview❦ ARMEE FRANCAISE EN 1845 (SIDI BRAHIM), ill- de Toussaint

Autographed letter from Robert Debré❦ ROBERT DEBRE lettre autographe manuscrite & signée

Luxurious illustrated edition❦ NICE MEMORIAL DE NICE 1960

Ancient Egyptian Art: Comprehensive Reference Study❦ EGYPTE art de l’ancienne Egypte, Mazenod

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