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

Napoleon: Tales of Old France❦ Napoléon Récits de la Vieille France. François Buchamor ill-JOB

A Nest of Nobles❦ TOURGUENEF Une nichée de Gentilhommes HETZEL 1862

Exploration of the Himalayan Region❦ Himalayan Népal et Pays Himalayens 1914

Travel Adventures in the World❦ HERVILLY (Ernest d’) AU BOUT DU MONDE ! … Les vacances de M. Talmouse

Bronze Medal by Académicien F. Gregh❦ Académicien F. Gregh BRONZE 56 mm, 85 grs scté des gens de lettres 1948

Adventures of Robinson in a nutshell❦ Robinson dans son île ou abrégé..1834 Hachette

Complete Works with Historical Commentary❦ BOILEAU-DESPREAUX Oeuvres complètes. Avec le commentaire historique 1829

A tale of Leïla-Hanoum❦ Leïla-Hanoum LA NOUVELLE SCHEHERAZADE, 41 dessins FERDINANDUS 1885

Discussions on Leadership❦ MAUROIS (André) Dialogues sur le commandement + dédicace

Novels and Stories by Giraudoux❦ GIRAUDOUX (Jean). Œuvres romanesques

A collection of games and dances❦ GENTIL COQUELICOT MESDAMES! JEUX, DANSES, EVOLUTION…chansons…

Origins and struggles of primary education in France❦ école primaire en France origines, luttes, victoires

Reflections and Advice❦ Pensées et conseils Hulst 1913

French Literature in the Middle Ages❦ Villemain Cours de littérature française Moyen-âge 1830

Royal Academy of French Language Medal❦ Académie royale de la langue et de littérature française – cuivre 71 mm.

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