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

Political memoir from French governmental service❦ Ham août 1829-janvier 1834. Par un ancien attaché à la présidence du conseil

Common Sense Retaliation❦ représailles du sens commun 1872

FENELON The Lives of the Ancient Philosophers 1811❦ FENELON Les vies des anciens philosophes 1811

Agricultural Society proceedings, 1884-1885❦ Agriculture BULLETON DE LA SOCIETE DES AGRICULTEURS DE FRANCE 1884-1885

Edgar François Monteil illustrated by Loevy❦ MONTEIL EDGAR FRANCOIS FRANCOIS ill-Loevy

Autographed edition of GIRAUDOUX's work❦ GIRAUDOUX (Jean) Lectures pour une ombre + dédicace

Malebranche's Reply to Arnauld's Third Letter❦ Réponse du Pere Malebranche, à la Troisième Lettre de M. Arnauld 1742

Hospital practical formulary and pharmaceutical preparations❦ Hopital nouveau formulaire pratique des hopitaux 1841

Pre-war France through intimate portraits❦ Brasillach Les Quatre Jeudis Images d’avant Guerre EO + envoi

White Tales with Morin Illustrations❦ Lemaitre Jules Contes blancs ill-Morin

A Tale of Mutiny and Deception❦ Benito Cereno Melville bois de Patrick de Manceau

Church Spirit and Doctrine❦ Esprit de l’église 1682

Life of Jesus Christ and the Apostles from Holy Gospels❦ Jésus GENOUDE La Vie de Jésus-Christ et des Apôtres 1836

Nights and Memories❦ MUSSET Nuits et Souvenirs 1896

Paul Solange's Adventure❦ DESBEAUX Aventure de Paul Solange

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