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

Memoir of Pierre Louÿs with unpublished letters❦ Farrère Mon ami Pierre Louÿs, avec des lettres inédites de Pierre Louÿs+envoi

Military Life in Color: French Army 1899❦ ARMEE ALBUM MILITAIRE photos couleurs 1899 figaro

Life of Queen Marguerite of Valois, First Wife of Henry IV❦ Histoire de La Reine Marguerite de Valois, Premiere Femme du Roi Henri IV

Literary and philosophical miscellany❦ NODIER Mélanges tirés d’une petite bibliothèque ou variétés EO 1829

Illustrated classic of Don Quixote❦ CERVANTES Don Quichotte illust-B.Mahn

Horticultural magazine overview❦ Jardin Revue Horticole avril 1845-mars 1846

Scenes of Courtesan Life❦ Louÿs Scènes de la vie des courtisanes Lucien de Samosate + dédicace

Original work with illustrations by Terrossian❦ JOUBERT (Alain) Treize à table Séquences. Dessins de Jean Terrossian

Monthly literary discussions❦ LAMARTINE, Alphonse de Cours Familier de Littérature

Church Book in Latin and French❦ EGLISE LATIN-FRANCOIS SUIVANT LE BREVIAIRE ET LE MISSEL DE PARIS 1777

Lucan's Epic Poem❦ LUCAIN La Pharsale de Lucain 1766

Rare Architectural Dictionary Volume❦ DEVILER Dictionnaire d’Architecture, ou Explications de tous les Termes, 1730

Experience of Japan in France❦ Japon SUGIYAMA MA MISSION EN FRANCE 1934

Elegant book with artistic illustrations❦ Quinquets. Paris, L’Écart absolu, 1997

Protestantism in Normandy: Historical insights❦ Histoire du protestantisme en Normandie depuis son origine..1869

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