How do you know what edition a book is?

Answer 1

Its not as easy as most of use think ..at the beginning of the book is a set of numbers this contains all the details like that..I bought a biography of Olave Baden Powell at the week end signed by her and its a first edition but it doesn't say it in plain English...( wonder if its worth anything)

Answer 2

If you have a look on the first few pages it should tell you there. If it is a paperback it is not a first edition (in the true sense of the word) You should find a number on one of the first pages it will be the numbers separately 1 to 10. If those are there it will probably be a first edition. If they are not there the page will probably have information on saying first printed in ..... and reprinted in ...... if this is there then it is not a first edition. If you are in any doubt and you think the book may be useful you could try taking it to a second hand book shop and they should be able to tell you.

Answer 3

For almost all books printed in recent years, look at the "title page verso" or "imprint page", which is the back of the title page, the one that carries the title, author's name and publisher's name.
For older books, as someone already suggested, the web could well be your first resource. If it's interesting or maybe valuable, let an antiquarian bookseller take a look at it. These people are not usually motivated only by commercial considerations - but if he or she makes an offer for it, get an offer from another dealer before selling!

Answer 4

It should say:
First Published 2006 (or whatever)
Underneath it will have the reprint dates
If there are no reprint dates it is probably a first edition.

There's another way to do with the numbers at the bottom. I think the line of numbers at the bottom of the copyright page ends in a 1 if its a first edition..

Answer 5

It should either state the edition on the front cover or you could open the book onto the 1st page and it you should see all the infomation about where it was published ect. There you will find the edition number.

Answer 6

It will either state "First Edition" or "First Printing" on the copyright page.,
Or there will be a line of numbers and there must be a "1" in it.
Recently, publishers have not bothered to print which edition the book is.

Answer 7

Look on the flyleaf where the copyright info is. If it's a hardback there will be a row of numbers; the last number is the edition you bought. Cheaper copies will say "first edition" or whatever printed on the date of yours.

Answer 8

it should say so in the first page or two. it will say this edition published in ..., if it is afirst edition there wont be any other dates, if not there will be a list of reprint dates etc

Answer 9

It usually tells you on the first page under all the notes about who the publishers are and copyright stuff, hope that helped

Answer 10

Usually says it where all the publishing details are. Also its usually on the cover or spine of the book.