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

Art and Architecture in Provence❦ PROVENCE DANS LE COMTAT VENAISSIN ET DANS LE COMTE DE NICE 1930

History of the Bastille's Rise❦ Bastille Histoire de l’élévation de la Bastille 1847

Elements of Commercial Law❦ Élémens de jurisprudence commerciale 1811

Prayers and Thoughts - Bound Edition❦ Péguy PRIERES/PENSEES Gallimard, reliure herpétologique

States-General: Rights and Convocation Procedures❦ REVOLUTION ANTRAIGUES Mémoire sur les Etats-Généraux, leurs droits..1789

Autographed postcard by Pierre Mendès France❦ Pierre Mendès France belle carte autographe manuscrite

Norman Architecture and its Influence in Northern France, 11th-12th centuries❦ Normandie Architecture normande son influence dans le Nord de la France 1939

Complete art history from antiquity to 20th century❦ JEAN CHARBONNEAUX – PIERRE PRADEL ARCHITECTURE ET SCULPTURE 4/4

Autographed Letter from Picart Ledoux❦ Picart Ledoux lettre autographe signée

History of the Empire - Continuation of Consulate History❦ Napoléon HISTOIRE DE L’EMPIRE FAISANT SUITE A L’HISTOIRE DU CONSULAT 4/4 1883

50th Anniversary Album of Femina Prize❦ FEMINA prix Femina, album du cinquantenaire 1954

Orléans numismatic workshop: coins, city, heritage❦ Numismatique Orléans et la numismatique. Un atelier, une Cité, une Famille

Comic & Satirical Almanac 1858-1860❦ Almanach Comique Pittoresque Drolatique Critique et Charivarique 1858,1859, 1860

Solitary wishes for nature and society❦ Bernardin de SAINT PIERRE Voeux d’un solitaire EO 1789

Eraste or Friend of Youth. Familiar Dialogues on Knowledge❦ Eraste ou l’Ami de la Jeunesse. Entretiens familiers sur 1828

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