What makes a first edition special?

At any rate, for a collector, the first edition/first printing is the most desirable. It's the edition the author actually saw through production and the closest in time to the writing, and therefore the edition most likely to represent the author's intent.

What is special about first editions?

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.

Why are first edition books so special?

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 makes a first edition valuable?

First Books (Not First Editions)

What makes a valuable first edition is the perfect confluence of rarity and demand – which is why, while there are exceptions, an author's first book, typically printed for a small audience, is the one most likely to achieve impressive prices.

What makes a book 1st edition?

An edition comprises all the copies of a book printed from substantially the same setting of type (the particular arrangement of the letters). The first edition, therefore, is the very first group of books printed for a specific title, before any major changes to the text or page layout are made.

How to Identify First Editions

Are first editions more valuable?

First editions are the most valuable, but only if they are true first editions, first printings. Therefore, if you get a book that's marked as a first edition, don't get excited immediately.

Is it worth keeping first edition books?

Are all first editions valuable? Possibly! 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.

Does it matter if a book is a first edition?

Speaking generally, first editions will hold the most value if they are first editions, first printings. Depending on who has published the book and what formats it has been published in, you'll be looking for hardcover books mostly. But don't assume all hardcovers are first printings!

What is the rarest first edition book?

The Canterbury Tales, the most expensive first edition book sold in an auction, is a collection of 24 stories written in Middle English by Geoffrey Chaucer between 1387 and 1400.

Does first edition mean 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.

What are the different types of first editions?

How do you tell if my copy is a first edition?

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.

Is first edition better than Limited edition?

They generally differ from first editions not only because they are printed in purposely small numbers; limited editions are often published on higher quality paper, with more luxurious bindings. They may also include the author's signature or supplementary illustrations.

How do I know if my book is worth money?

In determining the value of a book there are three basic elements: 1) rarity, 2) condition, and, 3) demand. Books with the most value normally have all three of these elements, and the loss of any will likely result in a loss of value. Age of the book is not always a key factor in value.

What makes a book worth money?

So what makes a book rare – and valuable? Unsurprisingly, the scarcity and uniqueness of the book is key. First editions and original bindings, signatures or inscriptions by the author or a famous owner are factors that can make a book more valuable.

Can you tell if a book is first edition by the ISBN number?

While the number line doesn't necessarily determine the edition, it will tell you how many times the book has been printed. If there's still a number one in the line, then it means it could be the first edition.

How to sell rare first edition books?

How do you store first editions?

A dark room is fine, but be sure that it is also not excessively damp or humid. Moisture can lead to an oxidation in the paper called foxing or cause warping of the boards or papers. Custom leather clamshell boxes can be made to help protect any book.

What is the value of first edition?

As with any books, the value of a first edition is determined by its 1) collectibility (characteristics that make it desirable), 2) its scarcity (see what makes a book rare, and 3) its condition.

Do first editions have shadows?

1st Editions and Shadowless cards will always lack the shadow on the right of the image's frame. If you see the shadowing there, you know that it is an Unlimited card. However, if the shadow is lacking, you may have either a 1st Edition or a Shadowless card. Look for the stamp to confirm.

What is the rarest book in existence?

The rarest book in the world is a 1593 first edition of Venus and Adonis by William Shakespeare. The Bodleian's copy "is the only known copy of this book in existence."

What is the oldest book in existence?

A Buddhist holy text, the Diamond Sūtra is considered to be the oldest surviving dated printed book in the world. Found in a walled up cave in China along with other printed materials, the book is made up of Chinese characters printed on a scroll of grey printed paper, wrapped along a wooden pole.

What is the biggest rare book collection?

The Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library holds one of the largest and most dynamic collections of rare books and manuscripts in the world. Its holdings draw hundreds of scholars, artists, and critics from around the world to the reading room each year.

What does ISBN stand for?

International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a national and international standard identification number for uniquely identifying books, i.e., publications that are not intended to continue indefinitely. The International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) is a national and international standard for serial publications.

How much is the first American edition of Harry Potter worth?

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (book 1 - US)

Published in 1998, the US version of the Philosopher's Stone was oddly re-titled as the Sorcerer's Stone. Prices for first edition first printings go up to around $15,000 if signed by the author - although cheaper copies can be found.