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

Oceanography Explained❦ monaco DE LA SURFACE AUX ABÎMES. L’Océanographie Vulgarisée

A tale of death and resurrection❦ CONAN DOYLE NOTRE DAME DE LA MORT

Illustrated Normandy - The Butchering of the Pig❦ NORMANDIE ILLUSTRÉE – La Saignée du Cochon 1912

A selection of Verlaine's poetry❦ VERLAINE Choix de poésies de Paul Verlaine

Exploring the Basque Country❦ basque Visages du Pays Basque

Historical overview of Baziège❦ Baziège grande-rue Haute-Garonne

Monthly Journal for Children (1885-1887)❦ MON JOURNAL – RECUEIL MENSUEL POUR LES ENFANTS 1885-1887

Carolingian Aquitaine overview❦ AQUITAINE CAROLINGIENNE (778-987)

Final Blue Tales by Laboulaye❦ Laboulaye, Edouard. Derniers Contes Bleus. Gagliuso – Le Loup et la Chèvre…

Guide to Christian Perfection❦ RODRIGUEZ Pratique de la perfection chrestienne 1715

Intimate portraits of the 18th century❦ GONCOURT Edmond et Jules Portraits intimes du dix-huitieme siecle 1879

Theater machines and decorations❦ Théâtre L’ENVERS DU THEATRE – MACHINES ET DECORATIONS 1888

Manual of Deification with Author's Dedication❦ ROMAINS (Jules), Manuel de déification + dédicace

New Year greeting card with flap, 1919❦ Bonne année carte à volet 1919

Orleans Tobacco Manufacturing❦ Orléans manufacture des tabacs

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