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

Fine and Applied Art Journal 1918❦ STUDIO art & Crafts The Studio Magazine of Fine and Applied Art 1918

Georgie at the Circus❦ PERRIN-DUPORTAL, Henriette GEORGIE AU CIRQUE ill-Kuhn-Regnier

Child's Booklet by Van Driesten Miniaturist❦ Llivret de l’enfant – 1906 Van Driesten, miniaturiste

Global history of pirates, privateers, and slave traders❦ Histoire mondiale des pirates, flibustiers, et négriers

Classic Timepieces - The Finest Wristwatches❦ Montres Classiques – Les Plus Belles Montres-Bracelets

Foundational guide to lettering design and practice❦ Letter An Introduction to Lettering 1973

Visconti: Life and Works 1791-1853❦ Visconti 1791-1853

Goethe's Complete Novels - Pléiade Edition❦ Johann Wolfgang Goethe Romans La Pleiade

Morality in Action: Exemplary Conduct❦ morale en action ou les bons exemples 1842

Illuminated Initial on Parchment❦ Lettrine sur parchemin 137 x 150 mm.

A Passionate Cry for Freedom❦ Roland DORGELES : Vive la liberté ! 1937 EO

Roman Silver Coinage Reference❦ silver SEABY Roman silver coins

Bright Hours - Signed Dedication❦ VERHAEREN Emile Les Heures claires + dédicace

Leon Jasmin: Life and Works❦ RABAIN Léon Jasmin sa vie ses oeuvres 1867

Illustrated Blue Guides to the Basque Country❦ Basque guides bleus illustrés. Le Pays Basque français et espagnol 1953

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