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

GERALDY Toi et moi. Illustrations by André-E. Marty, Japan nacre paper copy❦ GERALDY Toi et moi. Illustrations d’André-E. Marty ex. japon nacré

Montaigne Les Essais Paris, Librairie des Bibliophiles, 1886❦ MONTAIGNE Les Essais de Montaigne librairie des bibliophiles 1886

Librarian Brunet Handbook for the Bookseller and Book Collector 1842❦ Libraire Brunet Manuel du libraire et de l’amateur de livres 1842

GONCOURT Edmond & Jules Memoirs of Literary Life EO❦ GONCOURT Edmond & Jules Mémoires de la vie littéraire EO

SURREALISM THE SURREALISM ITSELF nos. 1 to 5, complete set Pauvert❦ Surréalisme LE SURREALISME MÊME n°1 à 5, collection complète Pauvert

Satire Le Tintamarre is a French satirical weekly 1882❦ Satire Le Tintamarre est un hebdomadaire satirique français 1882

Aquitaine Mercator – Southern Aquitaine, the kingdom of Arelatense with its boundaries, c. 1610❦ aquitaine MERCATOR Aquitania australis regnu arelatense cum confiniis Ca. 1610

Entretien d’un philosophe chrétien, et d’un philosophe chinois 1708 Malebranche

Boylesve 3 beautiful autograph letters signed❦ Boylesve 3 belles lettres autographes signées

MUSSOLINI Le Prince de Machiavel. Preface by Benito Mussolini, 1929❦ MUSSOLINI Le Prince de Machiavel. Préface de Benito Mussolini 1929

Polybe WAR Folard discoveries on war dissertation on Polybe 1753❦ polybe GUERRE Folard découvertes sur la guerre dissertation sur Polybe 1753

fan, 19th century, finely painted❦ éventail 19 ème joliment peint

azur Laurie (André) The Giant of Azure. Illustrations by Georges Roux. HETZEL❦ azur Laurie (André) Le géant de l’azur. Illustrations de Georges Roux. HETZEL

BAYA - André Breton - Jacques Kober. Derrière le Miroir No. 6, November 1947❦ BAYA – André Breton – Jacques Kober. Derrière le Miroir n° 6 Novembre 1947

Mme CATULLE-MENDES autograph letters, manuscript & signed❦ Mme CATULLE-MENDES lettres autographes manuscrites & signées

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