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

Solar Energy in Daily Life❦ Soleil Sous le soleil, autrement Les applications domestiques de l’energie

Poetry and War❦ Dig et bella L. Pageot-Rousseaux

French Self-Portraits: Literary Sketches❦ Français peints par eux-même. Textes de Balzac, Nodier, Pétrus Borel, Arago 1861

Arslantepe: The Lion Hill Origins of Power❦ Arslantepe, la collina dei leoni

History of Libourne and its district towns❦ Libourne Histoire de Libourne , villes et bourgs de son arrondissement 1876

Masks and Faces: A Study of Character❦ GAVARNI Masques et visages. Notice par C.-A. Sainte-Beuve

Pearl BUCK's patriotic novel, illustrated edition❦ BUCK, Pearl Le patriote 1947 ill-Hofer

Play with Me - Signed Inscription❦ Marcel Achard” “Voulez-vous jouer avec moâ” dédicacé

Intellectual Analysis of Art❦ CAILLOIS Procès intellectuel de l’art (exposé des motifs) 1935

Japan Observed: Travel and Impressions❦ Japon Holland Clive Au Japon choses vues

Human life's contrasts in miniature❦ monde en miniature, ou Les contrastes de la vie humaine. 1820

Napoleon: Photographic portraits by Albert Uriet❦ Napoléon Images d’Albert Uriet

Historic taverns, cafés and wine bars❦ Tavernes estaminets guinguettes et cafés d’antan et de naguère

Japan: A Chromatic Portrait❦ JAPON – UN PORTRAIT EN COULEURS – ODE. 1964

Chambray’s Philosophy of War with Essays❦ CHAMBRAY Philosophie de la Guerre. Suivie de Mélanges 1829

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