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

Historical and Statistical Insights❦ caudebec-lès-elboeuf notices historique & statistique sur caudebec-lès-elboeuf

Rare German Army Uniforms❦ uniformes de l’armée allemande 1877

Birth of the Fourth Republic❦ SENNEP DEPART A ZERO (LA NAISSANCE DE LA IV° REPUBLIQUE) + dessin

Children's Adventures in 19th Century France❦ Hetzel Les mésaventures de Jean-Paul Choppart Hetzel

Physical constants of water❦ EAU constantes physiques de l’eau 1939

Directory of Hardware and Metals❦ Annuaire de la QUINCAILLERIE et des METAUX 1905

Exploration of Space and Dreams❦ MAETERLINCK MAURICE LA VIE DE L’ESPACE EO + dédicace

Complete Works of Molière❦ MOLIÈRE Oeuvres de MOLIÈRE 1812

Battle of Waterloo illustrated atlas❦ Waterloo Charras. Campagne de 1815 – Waterloo. – Atlas spécial

Memories and Conversations of an Artist❦ Meissonier Ses souvenirs – ses entretiens, précédés d’une étude 1897

Complete Formula 1 Encyclopedia - 2 Volumes❦ Automobile La grande encyclopédie de la Formule 1

Holbein Ornamental Designs - Japan Paper Edition❦ Holbein DESSINS D’ORNEMENTS DE HANS HOLBEIN – nté sur japon

Christian Reflections from Holy Scripture❦ Pensées chrétiennes tirées de l’écriture sainte 1732 MINI

Inventory of Northern School Drawings❦ Louvre INVENTAIRE GENERAL DES DESSINS DES ECOLES DU NORD

Analysis of Honest People's Code❦ BALZAC Code des gens honnêtes, Paillet (Léon), Voleurs et volés EO

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