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

Memoirs of a 19th-century Arts Administrator❦ CHENNEVIÈRES ( Philippe de ) Souvenirs d’un Directeur des Beaux-Arts

Caucasus - Limited Numbered Edition on Japan Paper❦ BEUCLER André GUASTALLA Pierre Caucase / Japon

Complete Poetry Collections 1865-1879❦ PRUDHOMME POÉSIES 1886-1879 lemerre

Sacrality, Power and Law in Africa❦ Sacralité, pouvoir et droit en Afrique

Voltaire's Life - 1786 Geneva Edition❦ DUVERNET La Vie de Voltaire. Genève, 1786

Original poem dedicated to Pope Clement XIV❦ TOBIE. Poème en Quatre Chants 1773

History of Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives Abbey❦ Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives l’église de l’abbaye (14) 1867

A tale of inheritance and wealth❦ 100 millions. Héritage de deux enfants

The Art and Life of Picasso❦ Picasso Pablo Picasso Boudaille/ Moulin

Collection of Miniature Wisdom and Humor❦ Mini wit and humor wisdom proverbs epigram sentiment philosoph 1885 68 x 100 mm.

The King of Spies❦ Paul d’Ivoi Le Roi des Espions

Festivals of the East and Antiquity❦ Fêtes en Orient et dans l’Antiquité. ROMBALDI 1929

National Poetry of the French Revolution❦ révolution Poésies nationales de la Révolution française, ou Recueil 1836

Complete Harmony Course❦ harmonie Savard cours complet d’harmonie 1853

History of England from Julius Caesar❦ Angleterre GOLDSMITH Histoire d’Angleterre 1825

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