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

English Life, London and England in 1860❦ ANGLAIS, LONDRES ET L’ANGLETERRE 1860

Illustrated maritime adventure❦ CONRAD Typhon illustré par Corneau

Victor Hugo's Life Overview❦ Hugo BARBOU Alfred La vie de Victor Hugo

Delights of Outdoor Activities❦ GROSCLAUDE Les joies du plein air CARAN D’ACHE

Exploration of petroleum's allure❦ Petrol Black Golconda: The Romance of Petroleum 1924

A girl's spiritual journey toward first communion❦ Journal de Marguerite, ou Les deux années préparatoires à la première communion

Freemasonry 1994❦ Franc-maçonnerie 1994

Brou Bourg en Bresse - Illustrated Edition❦ BROU BOURG EN BRESSE 1990

Vintage photograph of a child❦ Photo ancienne enfant 63 x 110 mm.

Straw Hat Generation - Educational System❦ Calédonie GENERATION “CHAPEAUX DE PAILLE” – Un système d’éducation

Lille's Fine Arts Museum❦ LILLE LE MUSEE DES BEAUX-ARTS DE LILLE

Masterless Photo-Painting 1892❦ photo-peinture sans maître 1892

Divine Loves: Mythological Painting❦ amours des dieux, la peinture mythologique

Southern French Review, 1837❦ 1837 revue du Midi

Surrealist Memories and Reflections❦ surréalisme ALEXANDRE Maxime Mémoires d’un Surréaliste

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