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

Complete Works of Lafayette's Female Authors❦ La Fayette Oeuvres Completes de Mesdames de la Fayette de Tencin et de Fontaine

The Corsairs of the Danae❦ CORSAIRES DE LA “DANAE” 1904

Complete Works of HELVETIUS❦ HELVETIUS : Oeuvres d’HELVETIUS 1792

Bibiche's Christmas Tale❦ Blanchard Le Noël de Bibiche

Modern Paintings Auction Catalog 1912❦ Dollfus CATALOGUE DE TABLEAUX MODERNES 1912

Beautiful Chinese Print❦ Chine belle estampe

A Submerged World - Signed Copy❦ ROBIDA MICHEL. UN MONDE ENGLOUTI + dédicace

Church of Saint Francis - Architectural Lithograph❦ Assise Eglise de Saint François 31 x 45 cm lithographie

Fable Collection by Classic French Master❦ LA FONTAINE fontaine 1823 80 x 118 mm.

Deism refuted by its own principles❦ Déisme réfuté par lui-même 1766

Prosper's marriage explored❦ SAINT OGAN Alain Le mariage de Prosper

Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy❦ STERNE (Laurence) Voyage sentimental en France et en Italie. 1887

A unique land of no ownership❦ CASSOU Le pays qui n’est à personne EO sur Alfa

Engineering Service Tactical Principles in Campaign❦ Principes et thèmes tactiques sur le service du Génie en Campagne 1910

Tales of French Life and Social Satire❦ FRANCE Anatole CRAINQUEBILLE, PUTOIS, RIQUET ET PLUSIEURS AUTRES RECITS

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