Identifying and collecting first editions
In publishing, an edition is defined as all copies of a book printed from the same typesetting; a book is only described as a second edition if significant changes are made to the copy; the majority of booksellers prefer the ‘true first edition,’ which supersedes all other editions.
Identifying the First Edition of a Book
Publishers use a variety of methods to define first editions, which are frequently changed. The publisher may actually state the words ‘first edition’ or ‘first printing’ on the copyright page, while other booksellers learn to identify firsts using other methods such as dust jackets and mistakes.
What are book editions?
In publishing, an edition refers to all copies of a book that were printed from the same typesetting, and a book is only described as a second edition if significant changes are made to the copy; booksellers frequently refer to these later first editions as a ‘first edition thus.’
What’s the difference between 1st edition and 2nd edition books?
A first edition is the first printing of a book; while a first edition may have multiple printings and a second edition will usually be noted only if there are significant changes to the text, a first printing is the only true first edition for a collector.
How do I know what edition my book is?
See the Copyright Page for more information.
- Check the copyright page, which is usually found on the back of the book’s title page, for text that states the edition of the book.
- Check when the book was copyrighted and when it was published.
- Use the Number Line to Determine the Print.
Why books have different editions?
Publishers want new editions so they can make money selling new copies and reduce the market for used copies; the new edition may be significantly updated, but in many cases the updates are minor.
How do I know if my book is worth money?
Fill out this form with enough information to generate a list of comparable copies. You don’t have to include every word of the title or author’s name.
What does ISBN stand for?
ISBNs were 10 digits long until the end of December 2006, but since January 1, 2007, they have always been 13 digits long, with a check digit to validate the number. ISBNs are calculated using a specific mathematical formula and include a check digit to validate the number.
What are the most valuable first edition books?
The World’s Most Expensive Books
- 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.
Are second edition books valuable?
Second editions or reprint editions may be desirable to collectors who don’t have the cash to fork over for first editions but still want a piece of rare book history if the book is very, very popular.
What first edition books are worth money?
20 Iconic Books You Probably Have That Are Now Valuable
- J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (1997)
- Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat (1957)
- Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles (1902)
- The Bible (1600 u2013 1630)
- Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book and The Second Jungle Book (1894-1895):
What does 1st edition mean Yugioh?
In the TCG, Korean OCG, and Asian-English OCG, a 1st Edition print of a card is marked by the text “1st Edition,” and 1st Edition prints of cards are typically worth more than their equivalent Unlimited Edition print of the same rarity on the secondary market.
How many books are printed in a first edition?
For instance, a publisher preparing a brand new book sets the type and prints 1000 copies u2013 this is the first edition, first impression u2013 the book is a commercial success, so he decides to print more copies a few months later.
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 that is used to indicate the print run.
What is the difference between the editions of a textbook?
2 Page Numbers New editions of textbooks frequently have different page numbers than previous editions, which can be due to minor changes that affect all subsequent page numbers, or to the book being reformatted.
What’s the difference between different editions of novels?
When you make a significant change to a book, it’s called an edition. A new edition might change the cover image or cover stock, the trim size, add an introduction or some back matter, or even all of those things. You’ll be able to tell the difference if you hold up two of the same books that are different editions.
Is a revised edition a second edition?
Beyond a reprint, an author might consider calling the new version a “revised edition” rather than a “second edition” if the majority of the material is the same and there are only a few new updates. However, if the book has undergone significant changes, “second edition” would be more accurate.