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

Raphael Kirchner’s Art Nouveau Geisha Postcards❦ KIRCHNER Raphael Kirchner Jugendstil GEISHA

Kachina Spirits: Hopi and Zuni Dolls, Myths and Rituals❦ Kachina FLAK Esprit kachina Poupées, Mythes et Cérémonies ches les indiens Hopis

Charming autograph letter by Mme Loti-Viaud❦ Loti-Viaud Mme belle lettre autographe manuscrite

Kessel’s Siberian Nights: A Captivating Collection❦ Kessel Les nuits de Sibérie – Collection les nuits

Gauguin: Before and After❦ Gauguin PAUL GAUGUIN AVANT ET APRES

Miniature 17th-c. Erasmus edition❦ Erasmus In Rotterdam circa 1650 mini

Baux-de-Provence: Historical sketches and guide❦ BAUX DE PROVENCE Impressions des Baux. Guide des Baux

Joan of Arc: A Historical Account with Medieval Engravings❦ HANOTAUX (Gabriel). JEANNE D’ARC. 1911

Rare 1943 edition of 'La Célestine' with illustrations❦ Rojas, Fernando/ Paul Achard La Célestine Tragi-comédie

Belvallette’s Russian Exhibition at Imperial Studs❦ russie Belvallette exposition russe HARAS IMPERIAUX caroussel 31 x 23 cm

Intimate Memoirs of a Screen Star❦ erotique PETITE BELLE. LES SOUVENIRS INTIMES DE BELLE POITRINE

Napoleon’s Moscow Fire: September 15, 1812❦ Napoléon L’incendie de Moscou. 15 septembre 1812

Hanotaux autograph letter to Jules Comte❦ Hanotaux belle lettre autographe

Parisian Constitutional Bishop Gobel❦ Gobel Évèque Métroplolitain Constitutionnel de Paris

Complete Works of Régnier with Viollet-le-Duc’s Commentaries❦ RÉGNIER Mathurin OEUVRES COMPLÈTES Viollet Leduc 1853

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