How can i tell first edition book

This style has been used since World War II. The line sequence could ascend or descend or even have no discernable order depending on the publisher. All of these sequences below are first editions.

This number line below identifies a second printing printed in If you find that the date on the copyright page matches the date on the title page, then it is probably a first edition. Most 19th century publishers placed the date of publication on the title page but that practice faded out after and the date became appearing on the copyright page. We recommend obtaining a guide to first editions. If the copyright date is the same as the year the book was published, then that is a good first sign!

This will fluctuate depending on the publishing house, but most publishers will designate that a book is a first edition on the copyright page. To collectors, it refers to the very first version of the physical book to be printed.

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. Print runs are the set number of copies of the book printed at one time. It is a sequence of numbers, usually 1—10, and printed in descending or alternating order. The lowest number found on the page is the print run number.

Speaking generally, first editions will hold the most value if they are first editions, first printings. Every publisher organizes this information differently, and some make it a little confusing, so you have to prepare to do a little detective work. That means this is the first version of the text published.

Also good. Now, to find the print run number, we are going to look below the typography credit. A book can go through several print cycles, sometimes with edits that add in author notes or additional material, so the book in its original form - during its initial release or first printing to the public - is what is generally defined as a first edition by collectors and sellers.

Depending on the popularity and demand of a book, it could become valuable further down the line. First editions are what some book collectors hunt for, and are often willing to part with considerable amounts of money. As an example, true first editions of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone are selling for thousands of pounds 20 years later.

If you see yourself as a budding collector, then noting our tips for spotting a first edition below may make your life a little easier. If you never plan to part with your books, then you can ignore what edition your book is and just enjoy the insides for what they are: great pieces of literature. It's worth keeping in mind that every book published has a first edition, but not every book is desired by collectors.

This is where things start to become a little confusing, as different publishers use different identifiers. For example, a copyright page that states:. The following are the methods used by some of the larger or more famous publishing houses. Overall these are general rules and there may occasionally be an exception.

Now uses a number line. They currently use a number line. Prior to , the year of publication was in Roman numerals. Gollancz Victor Gollancz, Ltd. Previously, no statement had been made on first editions, but later printings were noted.

Grove Press — First editions and later printings are always noted on the copyright page. Currently uses a number line. Later-printing dust jackets are identified by a small letter code on the rear panel ie. Harcourt — From called Harcourt, Brace, and Howe , usually placed the number 1 on the copyright page for first printings, 2 for second printings etc..