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

The World's Opera - Dedication Copy❦ JACQUES AUDIBERTI L’opéra du monde DEDICACE

A tribute to Proust❦ Proust FERNANDEZ, Ramon. A la gloire de… Proust

Letters to the N.R.F.: 1931-1961❦ CELINE, LOUIS-FERDINAND LETTRES A LA N.R.F.: 1931-1961) GALLIMARD

A Young Woman's Social Ambitions❦ Balzac Le bal de Sceaux

Ancient Ceramics of Spain, Italy, France & Asia Minor❦ Faïences anciennes Espagne, d’Italie, de France, d’Asie-Mineure 1928

Secret Life of the Tragic Tsarina❦ espion vie secrète de la tzarine tragique Révélations sensationnelles

Ladies' Fashion and Society Journal 1839❦ mode Journal des Demoiselles 1839

Departmental Dictionaries: Basses-Alpes❦ Basses-Alpes dictionnaires départementaux

Measurement of Marked Timber and Building Dimensions❦ Toisage des bois à la marque, et celui des bâtimens 1806

Complete Works of the Wandsbeck Messenger❦ Claudius, Matthias Asmus omnia sua secum portans oder sämmtliche Werke des…

Lyric album of twelve romantic pieces❦ Album lyrique composé de Douze Romances Chansonnettes & Nocturnes.

135th Infantry Regiment History 1914-1918❦ infanterie historique du 135 e R.I. 1914-1918

Ecclesiastical Ceremonies Compendium❦ Compendio delle cerimonie ecclesistiche del P. Gavanto 1752

Franco-Prussian War 1870: Military Account❦ GENERAL NIOX LA GUERRE DE 1870. SIMPLE RECIT

Pompeii and Its Inhabitants❦ Monnier Marc Pompéi et les Pompéiens 1865 cachet colportage

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