What is a first edition book?
A first edition is a book that has been printed and distributed for the first time. A book may go through several print cycles, with edits that add in author notes or additional material, but the original form – during its initial release (or first printing) – is what is generally defined as a first edition.
Should I care what edition my book is? Are all first editions valuable?
True first editions of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone are now worth thousands of dollars, so if you’re a budding collector, keep in mind our tips for spotting a first edition below.
Can you tell if a book is a first edition?
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, which is a line of numbers on the copyright page; if a one appears in the line, it’s usually a first edition.
What is so special about first edition books?
First editions are valuable because they are the closest a reader can get to the source: this is how the book first appeared to readers, complete with the original cover art and, in some cases, typos.
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.
Do First edition books have value?
Book collectors prize first editions, and a first edition is usually more valuable than a later printing; a first edition signed by the author is even more valuable. Scarcity affects value.
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.
How do you tell if a Ladybird book is a first edition?
It’s not easy to put an accurate date on a Ladybird book; many books are described as older than they are in shops or on the internet because the owner assumes that the FIRST PUBLISHED date on the title page means that the book is a first edition.
What is the difference between first printing and first edition?
If you order 10,000 copies of a book, sell them all, and then order another 7,500 copies, the first 10,000 copies were the first printing; the second 7,500 copies were the second printing. An edition is when you make a significant change to a book.
How can you tell if a Harry Potter book is a first edition?
On the copyright page of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (US title), the number line will be 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2 8 9/9 0/0 01 02, along with “Printed in the United States of America.23” and “First American edition, October 1998.” Prices for later editions in good condition are in three figures.
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.
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.
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 are different editions of books?
Table of Contents
- 2.1 Revised edition. 2.2 Revised and updated edition. 2.3 Co-edition. 2.4 e-dition. 2.6 Book club edition. 2.7 Cheap edition. 2.8 Colonial edition
How can you tell the value of a first edition book?
A copy with a rating of: according to the Book Think price guide, a copy with a rating of:
- Fine/Near fine is worth $1,250.
- Near fine/Very good is worth $750.
- Very good/Very good is worth $400.
- Very good/Very good is worth $250.
- Good/Good is worth $100.
How can I tell if my Harry Potter book is valuable?
How do I know if my book is worth anything?
- The publisher must be listed as Bloomsbury at the bottom of the title page. The date listed in the copyright information must be 1997. The print line on the copyright page must read u201c10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1u201d
- The book must state that it was printed in the United Kingdom, not any other country.
How much are 1st edition Harry Potter books worth?
“Prices for first edition first printings range from around $6,500 to around $6,500, with a good selection between $4,000 and $5,000 u2013 many signed by the author u2013 though cheaper copies are available.”