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 Vicar of Wakefield with etchings by Lalauze❦ Vicaire de Wakefield illustré d’eaux-fortes par Lalauze

Universal Exposition 1878 - Visitor's Guide❦ exposition universelle de 1878 guide du visiteur

Eight Legal Codes in Miniature Edition❦ COD huit codes en miniature. Avec indications de leurs articles correlatifs 1833

Autographed Letter from DANIEL ROPS to Poet F. GREGH❦ Daniel Rops lettre autographe manuscrite au poète F. Gregh

Complete Works with Ten New Songs❦ BERANGER P.J. Oeuvres complètes de P.J. de Béranger 1856

Lorenzo Pasinelli: Italian Baroque Painter 1629-1700❦ Pasinelli. Pittore. (1629-1700)

Works of the Abbé de Lille: Virgil's Georgics in French verse and The Gardens❦ VIRGILE LILLE Abbé de OEUVRES DE L’ABBE DE LILLE contenant les GEORGIQUES DE VIR

Bronze commemorative piece for Orly Airport❦ Orly aéroport inauguration 66 mm., 137 grs, BRONZE 1961

Mini Social Toast Collection❦ Toasts & Sentiments 66 x 90 mm. MINI SOCIAL AND CONVIVIAL 1853

Autographed letter from Henri Massis❦ Henri Massis carte autographe manuscrite

Comprehensive Guide to Yachting❦ Yachting Grand Livre du Yachting 1957

Handwritten letter from Edouard Detaille❦ Edouard Detaille 1890 Lettre autographe

Virgil's Bucolics in French Verse❦ Bucoliques de Virgile. Traduits en vers francais 1823

Gardens of Perennial Plants❦ Jardin LAUMONNIER-FERARD E. Les jardins de plantes vivaces

Illustrated edition of a marvelous tale❦ MABILLE Pierre BRAUNER Victor & HEROLD Jacques Le merveilleux

📦 We ship antiquarian books worldwide

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