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

Gauguin’s Vision Explored❦ Gauguin La Vision de Gauguin

Gautier’s Spain in 1929❦ ESPAGNE Jasinski L` Espana 1929

Kik’s Pranks: A Vintage Comic Masterpiece❦ AUZANNE S. LES FARCES DE KIK

Charles Dovalle’s Poetic Legacy with Hugo’s Tribute❦ Hugo DOVALLE Poésies de Charles Dovalle 1868

Autographed letter by Jacques ROMANE to Druon couple❦ JACQUES ROMANE Lettre autographe manuscrite signée & cartes

1843 Astronomical Yearbook for the King❦ Annuaire pour l’an 1843, présenté au Roi, par le bureau des longitudes

Norman Illuminated Manuscripts from Rouen School❦ MANUSCRITS Manuscrits à Peintures de l’Ecole de Rouen. Livres d’heures normands

From Volga to Yukon❦ De la Volga au Yukon Henderson

New York 1880–1914: A photographic chronicle of immigration❦ USA VINGT MILLIONS D’IMMIGRANTS – NEW YORK 1880-1914 EN PHOTOS

Spanish Tales in 18th-Century French Style❦ LA VARENDE Rouge et Or – Nouvelles espagnoles illust-Josso

Soldier’s Pastimes in the 19th Century❦ Armée LEROY LES PASSE-TEMPS DU CAPORAL VERDURE

Rudyard Kipling’s Puck of Pook’s Hill❦ KIPLING Rudyard PUCK, Lutin de la colline

Monthly review on the Paris Commune (1970)❦ La Commune de Paris Europe, revue mensuelle, Novembre-Décembre 1970

Children's stories from Berquin❦ Berquin abrégé de l’ami des enfans 1825

Milka Chocolate Recipe Book❦ chocolat Le livre de recettes Milka

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