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

Fiery Kiss - Author's Drawing & Inscription❦ Cigare Baiser de feu dessin & bel envoi de l’auteur

Second volume of Fontenelle's dialogues❦ FONTENELLE DIALOGUES DES MORTS ANCIENS ET MODERNES 1784

Royal Pleasures: A Curious Collection❦ curiosa plaisirs du roi

Unpublished correspondence and personal letter❦ FERNIG **** Correspondance inédite de Mademoiselle + billet

Theoretical and practical studies on steel properties❦ acier ETUDES THEORIQUES ET PRATIQUES SUR LES PROPRIETES ET L’EMPLOI DE L’ACIER

Chronological Tables of Ancient and Modern History❦ Tables Chronologiques de l’Histoire Ancienne et Moderne Prytanée 1803

Selected Poetry Collection❦ VERLAINE PAUL CHOIX DE POESIES 1912

Persian Letters - Critical Edition❦ MONTESQUIEU (PAR BARCKHAUSEN HENRI) LETTRES PERSANES 1913

Masterful Manuscripts Collection❦ Samain Albert Polyphème 1921

A Man Under House Arrest❦ PONTY BERNARD LE SEQUESTRE GALLIMARD + dédicace

Ancient and Modern Travelers: Selected Accounts❦ CHARTON Voyageurs anciens et modernes ou Choix des relations 1863

Etymology of European bird names❦ Oiseau étymologie des noms d’oiseaux

Complete Songs Collection in Five Volumes❦ BERANGER P.-J. CHANSONS 1826 66 x 104 mm. MINI

Memoirs of a Security Chief❦ Police MEMOIRES DE CANDLER ANCIEN CHEF DU SERVICE DE SURETE

Professional tool catalog from Facom❦ FACOM Catalogue Facom F78

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