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

The Seducer - Signed Artist's Edition❦ Lilar, Suzanne Le Burlador Editions des Artistes + dédicace

Miscellaneous Articles and Political Commentary❦ Angers GRILLE Le bric-à-brac 1853

The Satisfied Recumbent Figures❦ MANSOUR (Joyce). Les Gisants satisfaits SP

French Literature History Survey❦ NISARD D. Histoire de la Littérature Française 1863

France Road Map - Picturesque Guide Edition 1836❦ carte routière de la France dédiée aux souscripteurs du guide pittoresque 1836

Comprehensive Index of Rare and Prohibited Works❦ Bibliography of Prohibited Books 1962

Teaching Freedom: Trial of Abbé Combalot❦ Liberté d’enseignement. Procès de M. l’abbé Combalot 1844

Martin and Jocko - Animal Tales❦ RABIER (Benjamin) Martin et Jocko

Surrealism and Modern Vision❦ Surréalisme Ribemont, Francis & Imbernon, Laurence YVES LALOY 1920-1999

Mind and Memory Adornment❦ ORNEMENT DE L’ESPRIT ET DE LA MEMOIRE 1820 65 x 105 mm.

Collins' Adventure Annual❦ Collins’ Adventure Annual

Woman in Ancient Law: Private Status Study❦ FEMME Etude sur la condition privée de la femme dans le droit ancien..1885

Pope Clement XIV's Interesting Letters❦ CARACCIOLI Lettres interessantes du Pape Clement XIV 1776

The Genius of Christianity❦ CHATEAUBRIAND GENIE DU CHRISTIANISME 1802

Marquis de Montigny Bookplate❦ Marquis de Montigny EX_LIBRIS 19 x 15 cm.

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