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

Charles Meynier: Life and Works 1763-1832❦ Charles Meynier : 1763-1832

Schwob’s satirical chronicles of Parisian life❦ SCHWOB Marcel /LOYSON-BRIDET Moeurs des diurnales EO

Historical insights on Auch's basilica❦ BASILIQUE SAINTE MARIE D’AUCH & HAUTS DOSSIERS DES STALLES

Hidden Powers of Man: Paranormal Assessment❦ Pouvoirs secrets de l’Homme ; Le Bilan du Paranormal Tocquet Pauwels

Theatre of Mr. Bret 1778❦ BRET Théatre de Mr. Bret 1778 + reliures armoriées

Autographed postcard from Julien Benda❦ Julien Benda carte autographe

Berenices Garden - A Symbolist Novel❦ BARRES MAURICE Le jardin de Berenice

Universal Geography❦ MALTE BRUN Géographie Universelle 1862

Architectural Vocabulary: Scientific Analysis Principles❦ Vocabulaire de l’architecture. Principes d’analyse scientifique 2/2 1972

Anthology of the Sea❦ Florilège de la Mer JEAN MARIE illustr- Dimpre

Japanese woodblock prints: comprehensive study❦ Japon CALZA Gian Carlo Ukiyo-e

England under the Three Edwards❦ Angleterre ANGLETERRE SOUS LES TROIS EDOUARD, 1864

Boulland and Allard Collections, 1925❦ Collection R. Boulland. Collection F. Allard. 1925

Soviet Diplomacy Under Marxist Influence❦ Marxisme tentaculaire. La formation, la tactique et l’action de la diplomatie

Sudan: Final Travel Diary❦ Soudan Dernier carnet de route Au Soudan français

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