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

French Literature Survey: 17th Century Precursors❦ Tableau de la littérature française au XVIIe siècle avant Corneille & Descartes

Memoirs of the Society for the History of Paris and Île-de-France, Volume VII❦ Paris Mémoires de la Société de L’Histoire de Paris et de L’Ile De France

Guide to Recognizing Lace and Embroidery❦ Céramique L’art de reconnaître les dentelles, guipures anciennes 1924

Capital Works: Cradle and Muses❦ MAURRAS Oeuvres capitales. Le berceau et les muses

Biography of Martin Luther❦ protestant VIE DE MARTIN LUTHER 1873

Classic French preserves and liqueurs guide❦ Marmiton. Mes recettes pour votre ménage confitures, conserves, sirops, liqueurs

Bullfighting posters from DAX❦ Corrida DAX corrida de Toros & plaza de Toros 2 affiches 1972

Mahomet or Fanaticism: A Tragedy (1826)❦ VOLTAIRE Mahomet ou Le fanatisme – Tragédie – 1826 MINI

Ancient Indian love ethics and Kama Sutra teachings❦ Kama Soutra, règles de l’amour de Vatsyayana morale de l’amour

Legal and Hygiene Medicine Treatise❦ Traité de Médecine Légale et d’Hygiène, ou de Police 1813

Socialism and Economic Evolution❦ BOURGUIN (Maurice) Les systèmes socialistes et l’évolution économique 1913

A family album about the mountain❦ Georgie à la montagne. Album pour les parents et les enfants 1929

Félicité de Lamennais' Revolutionary Call to Faith❦ LA MENNAIS Paroles d’un croyant 1834

Illustrated Book on a Famous Tamer❦ VIMAR GUIGOU L’Illustre dompteur

Marks and Signatures of French Porcelain❦ MARQUES ET SIGNATURES DE LA PORCELAINE FRANCAISE

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