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

Letters on French Language and National Identity❦ DRUON MAURICE LETTRES AUX FRANCAIS SUR LEUR LANGUE ET LEUR AME

The Tragic Tale of Hamlet - Illustrated Edition❦ SHAKESPEARE TRAGIQUE HISTOIRE DE HAMLET illust-Drouart

Old Paris: Festivals, Games and Spectacles❦ Paris FOURNEL Le Vieux Paris. Fêtes, Jeux et Spectacles 1887

History of Saint-Wandrille Abbey❦ HISTOIRE DE L’ABBAÏE [ABBAYE] SAINT VANDRILLE 1936

Various Poems by Ausone❦ Ausone. Traduit par Edouard Ducoté Poèmes divers

Exploration of cannibalism❦ Cannibales CHEZ LES MANGEURS D’HOMMES (NOUVELLES-HÉBRIDES).

Exploration of Annam culture❦ Esme [Esmenard] (Jean d [vicomte Jean Marie Henri d]), Thi-Bâ. Fille dAnnam

The Journey in Prussian Germany❦ TISSOT VICTOR Les prussiens en Allemagne. suite du voyage au pays des milliards

Historical account of François Premier❦ Francois 1er GAILLARD Histoire de François Premier 1819

Essay by MAURIAC on André Breton❦ MAURIAC, Claude André Breton

Architecture of Evry Cathedral❦ Cathédrale d’Evry par Mario Botta

Napoleon's Triumphant Years in Russia (1805-1807)❦ Russie NAPOLEON ET LA RUSSIE. LES ANNEES VICTORIEUSES (1805-1807)

Ovid's Amours & Art of Love - Bécat Illustrated Pair❦ Curiosa OVIDE. Les Amours & l’art d’aimer ill-Bécat (la paire)

Complete Theatrical Works with Author's Dedication❦ HERVIEU PAUL OEUVRES DE PAUL HERVIEU, THEATRE + dédicace

Frédéric Ozanam: Life and Work❦ FREDERIC OZANAM – L’HOMME ET L’OEUVRE 1903

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