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

A tribute to opera's leading women❦ Opéra tragédiennes de l’Opéra

Poems by Vigny❦ Vigny POESIES

Overview of Surrealism 1945-1948❦ Surréalisme NADEAU (Maurice). Histoire du surréalisme 1945-1948

A comprehensive course on literature❦ LA HARPE Lycée, ou Cours de littérature ancienne et moderne 1820

Christian Marriage in 19th Century❦ Mariage chrétien 1869

The Rose Cross - Signed Dedication Copy❦ Benda (Julien), La Croix de Roses + dédicace

Classic Grimm fairy tales collection❦ Grimm Contes de Grimm : Les musiciens de Brême – Histoire de Cendrillon…

Gothic Paris and the Tragedy of Esmeralda❦ NOTRE-DAME DE PARIS

Winter solitude: A week in 1836❦ petits solitaires ou une semaine d’hiver 1836

Selected Works of Bernard and Bertin❦ Mini Bernanrd & Bertin Oeuvres choisies 1826

Complete Works of the Genevan Philosopher❦ ROUSSEAU J.-J. OEUVRES DE J. J. ROUSSEAU, CITOYEN DE GENEVE 1817

Elementary Algebra Textbook❦ algèbre Elémens d’algèbre, à l’usage de l’école centrale des quatre nations 1812

Art in England's Elizabethan and Stuart Eras❦ Art in England during the Elizabethan and Stuart Periods 1908

Loire to Pyrenees: Regional French travel guide❦ De la Loire aux Pyrénées par Paul Joanne. 1899

Woman and Love - Hors Commerce Edition❦ BALZAC (H. de) La Femme et l’Amour ex. H. C.

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