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

Tragedy by Alphonse de Lamartine❦ LAMARTINE (Alphonse de) Saül. Tragédie 1918

Fishing guide from Spain❦ Guide des Pécheurs, Composée en Espagnol 1757

Technical review: MZ 125, Honda CB 500 motorcycles❦ moto. Revue technique automobile M.Z. 125 MZ…HONDA CB 500 … 1973

Hugo's journal covering critical years❦ Hugo HUGO Victor Journal. 1830-1848

Collection of Fables by Phaedrus❦ Fables de Phèdre 1838

Lithograph of Dieppe in 23.5 x 16.5 cm❦ Dieppe lithographie 23,5 x 16,5 cm

Illustrated novel with engravings❦ Régamey GREVILLE (Henry) Perdue 1884

Illuminated Manuscripts from IX to XV Century❦ Manuscrits Avec Miniatures Du IX Au XV Siecle 1909

Gascogna Almanac Overview❦ Almanac de la Gascougno. 1908. Auch

A thrilling tale by Pierre MAEL❦ MAEL Pierre MAME La roche qui tue

Catalog of Martell Cognac 1954❦ Cognac Martell 1954 catalogue

Swiss Legionnaire's War Memories❦ légion Le 1er mystérieux souvenirs de guerre d’un légionnaire suisse

Practical Guide for Amateur Restorers❦ RIS-PAQUOT Guide pratique du Restaurateur-Amateur de Tableaux, 1890

Exploration of Compiègne Forest❦ Compiègne En forêt de Compiègne et de Laigue. Connaissance de la forêt

Antique and modern books from the Besombes estate (1936)❦ Livres anciens et modernes, provenant de la succession 1936 BESOMBES

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