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

Illustrated gardening guide for 1884❦ jardin Le nouveau jardinier illustré 1884

Obscure and New Points in Corneille's Life❦ CORNEILLE Points obscurs et nouveaux de la vie de Pierre Corneille

Autographed Letter by Jules Romains❦ Lise jules Romain belle lettre autographe manuscrite

The King of Jugglers❦ Robida Le Roi des jongleurs 1898

French Recumbent and Bed Furniture❦ Lits de repos et lits

Original Charcoal Drawing❦ Fusain original 49 x 63 cm.

Around the World: Wonders of Travel in South America❦ tour du monde ou les mille et une merveilles des voyages 1841 Amérique du sud et

Original pastel work❦ Fusain original 48,5 x 63 cm.

Insights into Albert Samain❦ Samain Autour d’Albert Samain + dédicace

Poems of Horace❦ poésies d’Horace 1813

Autograph letter to poet Fernand Gregh❦ Louis Barthou belle lettre autographe manuscrite

Works of Georges Courteline, illustrated❦ COURTELINE (2 TOMES) illustré par DIGNIMONT

Examination of Absolution Timing❦ absolution TRAITE DU DELAI DE L’ABSOLUTION, OU L’ON EXAMINE SI L’ON DOIT 1756

Life insights in 1950s Japan❦ Japan CLEVELAND It’s better with Your Shoes off

A Culinary History Exploration❦ SERVITEURS DE L’ESTOMAC pour faire suite à L’histoire d’une bouchée pain HETZEL

📦 We ship antiquarian books worldwide

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