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

Baedeker’s 1884 Travel Guide to Germany & Austria❦ BAEDEKER Allemagne et L Autriche 1884

19th-century physics, chemistry, and natural history lessons❦ Notions de physique et de chimie, lecons d’histoire naturelle, et principes…

Autograph letter to poet Fernand Gregh❦ Georges Lecomte Académie Française Lettre autographe manuscrite

Predictions of the Next War’s Slaughter❦ LES HECATOMBES DE LA GUERRE PROCHAINE 1923

Anti-Dictionary Defending Christianity (1775)❦ CHAUDON Anti-Dictionnaire Philosophique, pour servir de Commentaire 1775

Dictatorship of Pain: A 1936 Manifesto on Dolorism❦ Teppe Dictature de la douleur ou Précisions sur le dolorisme 1936

1803 Tariff on Gold and Silver❦ Monnaie Tarif OR ARGENT 1803

Paris street dictionary 1844❦ Paris Dictionnaire administratif et historique des rues de Paris 1844

Victor Hugo’s dramatic masterpiece❦ Hugo Le roi s’amuse

Classic 1941 French Restaurant Manual❦ Manuel du Restaurateur. Résumé de Cuisine courante 2500 recettes 1941

26mm plaster medal❦ Médaille en plâtre 26 mm

Moral Theology Compendium 1663❦ Busenbaum Medulla Theologiae Moralis 1663

Alsace’s history for children by Uncle Hansi❦ Hansi L’histoire d’Alsace racontée aux petits enfants d’Alsace et de France

English Language Errors Guide 1905❦ Faulty Diction or Errors in the use of the English Language 1905

Cluny Museum: Art Collection & Historical Notes❦ Cluny Notices sur l’hôtel de Cluny et sur le Palais des Thermes

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