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

Memorandum to the King, July 1814❦ Carnot Mémoire adressé au roi, en juillet 1814

The Spirit of Beasts❦ TOUSSENEL A. L’ESPRIT DES BETES J. HETZEL

Fishing Guide by Louis de Grenade❦ Guide des Pécheurs, Composée en Espagnol 1757

AUBRUN – The Essence of Painting❦ AUBRUN – L’ABSOLUE PEINTURE.

Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Sciences❦ ENCYCLOPEDIE DES SCIENCES ET DES TECHNIQUES 1961

Large engraved map of Brittany❦ Bretagne Carte 62,5 x 90 cm calcographie musée du Louvre

HUGO's letters and reflections on the Rhine❦ HUGO Victor Le Rhin – Lettres à un ami 1845

Genealogy of Notable Figures❦ généalogie A la découverte de leurs racines

Jewels of Mughal and Maharajah Collections❦ BIJOU Grands Moghols aux Maharajahs Joyaux

A Guide to Word Interpretations❦ TROPES OU DES DIFERENS SENS DANS LESQUELS ON PEUT PRENDRE 1776

The man who lost his shadow❦ CHAMISSO Schlémihl ou l’homme qui a perdu son ombre 1887

Exploring Surrealism❦ Surréalisme Petites pièces pouvant servir à approcher (même à comprendre) sinon

French Communists in the Phoney War❦ communistes français pendant la drôle de guerre

Natural Herbs and Meadows❦ Jardin BOITEL HERBAGES ET PRAIRIES NATURELLES 1893

Tales of Alsace and Lorraine❦ ENFANTS D’ALSACE ET DE LORRAINE

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