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

Reims Square Drouet d'Erlon 1902❦ Reims place Drouet d’Erlon 1902

The Three Kingdoms of Nature❦ DELILLE (Abbé Jacques) Les trois règnes de la nature 1809

Caudebec: Harbor Hotel and Church View❦ Caudebec hôtel du Hâvre et vue sur l’église

Definitive poetry collection with etched portrait❦ GAUTIER (Théophile); Emaux et Camées 1877

Issy-les-Moulineaux, Place Voltaire 1917❦ Issy les Moulineaux place voltaire 1917 Gouvt militaire de Paris

Place Gambetta in Damazan, Mexico❦ Damazan place Gambetta 1916

Mexican Dance Performer❦ danseur de CAE-WALK 1907

Restaurants in Lower Normandy❦ foire en basse-normandie restaurants

Damaged map of Île de Ré❦ île de ré cours de la flotte

Overview of Saint-Dizier's port❦ Saint-Dizier le port du fort carré

Illustrated overview of Spain and Portugal❦ Espagne et le Portugal illustrés

Mexican performer in the circus❦ Alponne l’homme canon CIRQUE

Windmill in Gers❦ moulin à vent gers 1908 Gers 32

Historical overview of Tuchan church❦ Tuchan l’église

Map of Condom Avenue❦ condom avenue et route d’agen Place Voltaire 1908 Gers 32

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