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

Rare historical novel with engravings❦ LOUVET Histoire du Chevalier de Faublas. Ornée de vignettes gravées sur acier

Autographed manuscript card by Vladimir d'Ormesson❦ Vladimir d’Ormesson carte autographe manuscrite & signée

Illustrated Typhon by Corneau❦ CONRAD Typhon illustré par Corneau

Mirabeau's Work Explored❦ APOLLINAIRE L’Oeuvre du Comte de Mirabeau 1910 EO

Exploration of Old Paris❦ PARIS HILLAIRET Evocation du Vieux Paris

Famous Political Trials of the 19th Century❦ Procès Causes politiques célèbres du XIXe siècle Gal Berton, Moreau Mal Ne..

WWI taxis on the Marne, author's signed copy❦ DUTOURD Jean Les taxis de la Marne + dédicace

Universal Library of Arithmetic for Ladies❦ bibliothèque universelle des dames arithmétique 1789

Royal Guard Cannoneer, French Artillery❦ cannonier de la garde royale 43,5 x 66 cm aquarellée

Chronology & European Settlements in the Orient❦ Chronologie, établissemens européens aux Indes orientales, Histoire de Paris…

Epigrams and Wit by MARIETON❦ MARIETON PAUL LES EPIGRAMMES + ENVOI

Crossword Enthusiast's Handbook and Reference Guide❦ mots croisés VADE MECUM ET VADE RETRO DE L’AMATEUR DE MOTS CROISES

Signed autograph letter to poet Fernand Gregh❦ Mauclair belle lettre autographe signée

Masters of French Humorous Drawing❦ Faivre, Poulbot, Mirande, maîtres humoristes

Among Cannibals in the New Hebrides❦ Cannibales CHEZ LES MANGEURS D’HOMMES (NOUVELLES-HÉBRIDES).

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