Identifying the First Edition of a Book
The publisher may actually
state the words ‘first edition’ or ‘first printing’ on the copyright page
. Another common method of identification is the number line – that’s a line of numbers on the copyright page. Usually, if a one is present in the line then it’s a first edition.
How can you tell if a book is a first edition copy?
The publisher may actually
state the words ‘first edition’ or ‘first printing’ on the copyright page
. Another common method of identification is the number line – that’s a line of numbers on the copyright page. Usually, if a one is present in the line then it’s a first edition.
What is the difference between first edition and first printing?
A first edition is the first printing of a book. It’s true that a first
edition may have one or more printings
and that a second edition will normally be noted only if there are actual changes, usually major, in the text. But for a collector, a first printing is the only true first edition.
How do I know what edition my book is?
The publisher may actually state the words ‘first edition’ or ‘first printing’
on the copyright page
. Another common method of identification is the number line – that’s a line of numbers on the copyright page. Usually, if a one is present in the line then it’s a first edition.
What is a first edition printing?
A first edition is
the first printing of a book
. It’s true that a first edition may have one or more printings and that a second edition will normally be noted only if there are actual changes, usually major, in the text. But for a collector, a first printing is the only true first edition.
Are first edition books worth anything?
First editions are sought-after by book collectors and a
first edition is usually more valuable than a later printing
. A first edition signed by the author will have even greater value. Scarcity influences value.
What makes a first edition book valuable?
Bates version of the collector. First editions are prized
because they are as close as a reader can get to the source
. This is the way the book first appeared to readers, with the original cover art, and sometimes even the original typos.
What is the number line in a book?
The printer’s key
, also known as the number line, is a line of text printed on the copyright page (often the verso of the title page, especially in English-language publishing) of books, used to indicate the print run. Publishers began this convention about the middle of the 20th century.
How many first edition Harry Potter books are there?
Hardcover first-edition first printings of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone have become the “Holy Grail” for Potter collectors. Only
500
were published, 300 of which were issued to libraries.
How do you tell if a Ladybird book is a first edition?
Putting an accurate date to a Ladybird book is not straightforward. Often in shops or or on the internet books are described as older than they are because
the owner has assumed that the FIRST PUBLISHED date on the title page
means that the book is a 1st edition.
Can a paperback be a first edition?
For publishers, “first edition” may just mean
the first version of the text
, without significant revisions. Many publishers will print the hardcover edition of a book and call that a first edition, then print the same text in paperback and call it a first edition as well.
Is printing the same as edition?
“Strictly speaking, an
edition comprises all copies of a book printed at any time
from one setting-up of type without substantial change.” A printing [also known as] “an impression comprises the whole number of copies of that edition printed at one time, without the type or plates being removed from the press.”
How do you know if a book is worth money?
The easiest way to know how much your copy of a book is worth on the open market is
to check on how much similar copies are currently being offered for
. Fill out this form with enough information to get a list of comparable copies. You probably don’t need to include every word of the title and author’s name.
How can I tell if my Harry Potter book is valuable?
- At the bottom of the title page the publisher must be listed as Bloomsbury.
- The date listed in the copyright information should say 1997.
- The print line on the copyright page must read “10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1”
- The book should say it was printed in the UK, not any other country.
What is so special about first edition books?
Book collectors value first editions because
it’s the closest one can get to the author’s intent
. The author is usually more invested and involved in the first printing process because it’s the first time their work is born and introduced to the world.
What are the most valuable first edition books?
- A Treatise of Fruit-Trees. Original price: $3.7 million. …
- Tales of Beedle the Bard. Original price: $3.98 million. …
- The First Atlas. Original price: $3.9 million. …
- The Northumberland Bestiary. …
- Shakespeare’s First Folio. …
- Bomberg Babylonian Talmud. …
- The Canterbury Tales. …
- The Gutenberg Bible.
