how can i tell if a book is a first edition? does it really make a difference?

Answer 1

For newer books, a first edition will be stated in the CIP (cataloging in publication) page, the one at the beginning with the publishing and cataloging information. For slightly older books, the print run is somewhat of an indicator. That is the series of numbers on the CIP page, near the bottom. It is usually printed something like 10 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01. The last number that appears in that line is the printing run number. A book can still be a first edition, second printing. A different edition implies something has changed. A later print run implies the publishers initially didn't order enough books. It makes a difference to serious collectors.

For older books without this information, you'll need a rare book collector guide. Different publishers had different ways of denoting first editions, and some are VERY subtle. Your local public library should have a few books on book collecting you can borrow.

Answer 2

The most obvious identification is to simply say "First Edition" or "First Printing". Thankfully most modern publishers will clearly have this statement on the copyright page of the book, but not all. Many will have a dash with "1st-ed", and some will have a number line like this "10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1", if there is a "1" in the number line the book is a first. This doesn't work for all pubishers, nor for older books. The site below is great for really learnign about identifying. Also, jsut because its a first edition does not mean first printing...two different things!
A first edition, first printing of a book that later becomes what is considered a classic...or of an older book...or, to me, any book...makes its value to a collector soar!

Answer 3

Look behind the cover page where the copyright is. You will see something like 10 8 6 4 2 1 3 5 7 9. The lowest number that you can still see is the edition. It only has value for collectors.

Answer 4

The prevalent version in basic terms has the tale in maximum situations. The specific variations have the 1st financial ruin of the subsequent e book on the decrease back. there's no longer lots distinction i additionally think of the covers are distinctive. The prevalent is in easy terms a flat revealed conceal while the specific version is extra of a stickerlike conceal. i don't comprehend what the unique content cloth would be nonetheless, i might desire to make certain.

Answer 5

It most certainly make a difference. When I inherited my sisters library, I found a First Edition of Nabokov's bock "Lolita" in French. It's worth a couple of hundred dollars !!!!!