What's the best way to tell if a given book is of a "first edition" ?

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

It may or may not say - "First Edition" on the copyright page
and it has NOTHING to do with the ISBN number. At the bottom of the page you will see:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

or 2 4 6 8 9 7 5 3 1 etc

In most cases, it is the hardcover first edition that book collectors want. Beware that there is a trend for famous authors to have special first editions printed when they are household names. These are not as valuable as you would think. You want a first edition of the earlier book of an author who becomes successful. Why? Because the print run may only be 5,000 copies when the latest novel may be 500,000 copies.

If the "1" is missing, it is the lowest remaining number left i.e. "2" or second edition. If you see

33 34 35 36 etc it is the thirty-third edition.

Answer 3

Sometimes the book will state "First Edition". But I read that if there is a 1 in the ISBN # anywhere, it is a first edition. That may not mean it's of any value, unless there is a collector out there that wants it. But it's still worth keeping or trying to sell it on ebay

Answer 4

Look for the words First Edition on the page that shows the ISBN number and other information

Answer 5

It should say it on the cover or in the first few pages of the book {where the copyright is, usually}

Answer 6

Check the page with the copyright info.
http://www.helium.com/tm/204468

Answer 7

Try this site.

http://www.booksellerworld.com/identify-firsteditions.htm