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

Short stories on joy and suffering❦ Coppée ( François ) La bonne souffrance – Contes ..1907

Complete Poems - Volume 1❦ Gautier Théophile Poésies complètes Tome premier 1884

British Military Uniforms: Historical Overview❦ British army History of the Uniforms of the British

Correspondence of Marcel Proust❦ Proust, Marcel Letters of Marcel Proust

Reasoned Formulary of New Medicines and Medications❦ médicament Formulaire raisonné des médicaments nouveaux et des médications 1864

Hugo's Early Years: Eyewitness Account 1818-1821❦ Victor Hugo raconté par un témoin de sa vie 1818-1821

Poisonous Substances: Legal Framework & Exemptions❦ Substances vénéneuses : Législation, réglementation, tableaux et exonérations JO

Collection of Rare Works❦ Bibliothèque Raphaël Esmerian

HUGO During Exile: Acts and Words❦ HUGO Pendant l’exil,(actes et paroles) J.Hetzel & cie/Quantin

Ancient landscapes of Anatolia❦ Anatolia Antiqua Eski Anadolu

Caucasus and Japan illustrated work❦ BEUCLER André GUASTALLA Pierre Caucase / Japon

Fascinating history of firefighters❦ Pompier La fabuleuse histoire des pompiers / 2003

Art in Los Angeles: Evolution 1955-1985❦ Los Angeles 1955-1985 Birth of an Art Capital

Prison Memoirs❦ Jean de PANGE, Mes prisons

Ancient Mediterranean: Fishing, Navigation, Trade❦ Méditerranée antique. Pêche, navigation, commerce.

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