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 welfare of the people❦ Le bien-être du peuple 1840 Lamennais

Practical Agriculture Journal from 1874❦ Journal d’agriculture pratique 1874

Napoleon's Epic: Egypt, Waterloo, and Human Destiny❦ Napoléon en Egypte – Waterloo – Le Fils de l’homme 1835 illustré par Raffet

The Good Gardener - Complete Annual Guide 1831❦ Jardin Le bon jardinier 1831

A classic German literary masterpiece❦ GOETHE – Traduit par Gérard de NERVAL. FAUST

Non-navigable and non-floatable waterways❦ Marine cours d’eau non navigables ni flottantes 1864

Histological Atlas of Simple Drugs❦ Atlas Manuel de L’Histologie des drogues simples 1887

Meteorological Phenomena and Natural Wonders❦ HISTOIRE DES MÉTÉORES et des grands phénomènes de la nature 1883

Exhibition of Living Artists' Works at Palais des Champs-Élysées 1877❦ Explication des Ouvrages de Peinture, Sculpture, Architecture..1877

Los Angeles 1955-1985: Birth of an Art Capital❦ Los Angeles 1955-1985 Birth of an Art Capital

Richardson's Clarissa Harlowe with Janin's critical essay❦ JANIN Clarisse Harlowe 1846

Vendée heroine memoirs by Genlis❦ Révolution Bonchamps Mémoires de Madame la Marquise 1827

His Majesty the King - Limited Edition❦ KIPLING Sa Majesté le Roi / Arches

Complete Works of Alexis Piron, Vol. VII❦ Piron Oeuvres complètes d’Alexis Piron 1777

Complete Songs Collection in Five Volumes❦ BERANGER P.-J. CHANSONS 1826 66 x 104 mm. MINI

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