How can you tell if a book is a first edition?

Question

Yeah, I'm on E-Bay x

Answer 1

It's not always easy. Most books published recently will state First Edition outright on the copyright page--but not all. Rare book dealers count books as first editions only if they were also the first printing. Many books will indicate later printings on the copyright page.

For older books, especially rare books, you have to know the code that each publisher used. For example, I collect books in a series called Rivers of America, published originally by Farrar & Strauss. These books are first printings ONLY if they have the publishing company logo at a particular spot on the copyright page.

Some well-known authors now have special first editions, usually bound in leather or some other special binding, perhaps autographed, and issued by a second company (for example Eaton Press or Franklin Library). These usually turn out to be the more valuable first editions. Other "first editions" of such books, especially if the first printing comprised a large number, as for example the Harry Potter books, may not be of any particular value to booksellers.

The only way to be sure is to consult experts and/or guidebooks for booksellers. For a number of these and some good advice, see the webpage below:

http://www.litterascripta.com/bibliomania/ident.shtml

Answer 2

Sometimes it will tell you it's a first printing. Take note of the copyright date. You might be able to tell from that if there are more than one year listed. But then again, that may not be accurate because if you see, for example: c1969, 2006--it could mean that the book was initially written in 1969, but wasn't published until 2006.

Answer 3

It will tell you in the first 1 to 3 pages of the book

Answer 4

go to the copyright page.
& read. Most older booksw dont have it but about 10 year old & younger books do. you will see if it says first or second or whatever edition!
hope this helps!

Answer 5

It will say first edition or first printing. Usually on the page that has the publishers information.

Answer 6

It will tell you in the Title page, I believe...

Look at the bottom and see if it has any 1..2..3..etc, or says it was printed in such a date and reprinted at this time...

It will say if it is...first printing...

I wish you well..

Jesse

Answer 7

Check the year that the book was published and compare it to the copyright date.

Answer 8

look on the page with the copywright notice

Answer 9

it will be printed on the second page ofthe book

Answer 10

well they never say second printing in them