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

Shakespeare's Master through English Eyes❦ MAURICE (Martin) Master William Shakespeare NRF, 1953 belle reliure

The Cagot Enigma: A Medieval Mystery❦ Cagot énigme des cagots

The saga of white Indians and fur traders❦ Indiens blancs Les coureurs des bois la saga des indiens blancs

Original edition on fine paper❦ empoisonneuse ou l’empoisonnée edition originale sur pur fil G. LENOTRE Babet

The Story of Tristan and Isolde❦ BEDIER JOSEPH LE ROMAN DE TRISTAN ET ISEUT. PIAZZA

Nobility of the Empire: Genealogy and History❦ Noblesse d’Empire 2008

Selected stories by Kipling❦ KIPLING CONTES CHOISIS (sur vergé)

Roman Missal for the Faithful, 1891❦ Missel romain à l’usage des fidèles 1891

French Polynesia and Tahiti colonial survey❦ tahiti LE CHARTIER Tahiti et les Colonies Françaises de la Polynésie 1887

Complete Works: Flaubert's Correspondence❦ Flaubert, Gustave Oeuvres Completes De Gustave Flaubert: Correspondance

Military Duty and Honour❦ DE VIGNY Alfred Servitude et Grandeur Militaire. LIBRAIRIE DES BIBLIOPHILES

Autographed Letter to Poet Fernand Gregh❦ Jean Cassou lettre autographe

India's Diplomatic Mission to Europe❦ Inde Mission de l’Inde en Europe

Knowledge and Love of the Son of God❦ ST-JURE DE LA CONNOISSANCE ET DE L’AMOUR DU FILS DE DIEU 1833

Belgian lace craftsmanship overview❦ Dentelle VERHAEGEN dentelle belge 1912

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