Despite what you may think, not allfirst edition books are valuable. Their value depends on the rarity, demand andcondition of the book in question. At Harrington& Co, we’ve always found magic in collectingbooks, so we’re explaining how you can identify first editions and how thevaluation system.
What Is a First Edition?
To put it simply, a first edition bookis the first version of a book that was commercially distributed. These initialprintings are so precious because this is the closest a collector can get tothe source. Many books undergo certain changes between printings to correcterrors or edit the story according to the author’s wishes – first editions areraw and pure.
Establishing a book as a first editioncan get a little murky, especially when there has been more than one printing.Second editions are often only noted if there have been substantial changes tothe text; however, for true collectors, it is the very first printing thatmakes it a first edition.
What Determines the Value of a Book?
There are a number of factors thatcontribute to a book’s value. Just because something is old, doesn’t mean it’sregarded as a collectable piece ofliterature. The three factors that determine thevalue of a first edition are rarity, demand and condition.
Rarity
There are a few cases where a firstedition of a book had an extremely small number of copies made and then gainedpopularity during the second print. The fewer copies there are, the morevaluable the first edition is; however, rarity only matters if the book hasdemand.
Demand
Like all items in a capitalist society,books don’t increase in worth if no one wants to buy them. Typically, the firstedition of an author’s first book will be in highest demand because it wasinitially printed for a small audience. When these books become popular, thenext novel from a writer will have a much larger edition size.
An excellent example of this is J. K.Rowling’s books. A hardcover copy of the first printing of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is worth 6 times as muchas a first edition of Harry Potter andthe Chamber of Secrets.
Condition
The condition of a book plays a part indetermining its value. If the first edition of a popular book has its originaldust jacket, is complete with any additional appendices, and has no discernibledamage, it can be worth a mint.
How to Identify a First Edition
On the copyright page, some publishersmay put the words ‘first edition’ which makes it a whole lot easier than othermethods. There is a number line on the copyright page that identifies the book– if it includes the number 1 in the line, it’s usually a first edition.
For example, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 or 10 9 87 6 5 4 3 2 1. Although thenumber line may not be in ascending or descending order.
The best bet is to do as much researchas possible on the book itself, finding sections that have been changed in thelater editions. Alternatively, if the date on the copyright page matches thedate of publication, it’s highly likely that you’re holding a first edition.
Interested in Collecting Books?
Stay up to date with our range of vintage books at Harrington & Co. You’ll never know what rarities you might find. Get in touch to learn more.
FAQs
Primarily because a first edition is the physical manifestation of a particular moment in the life of a novel, and it can also reflect a significant time in the wider culture. To begin with, writers often participate in the production of the first edition.
Why are first edition books so valuable? ›
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 makes a first edition book special? ›
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.
Is my first edition worth anything? ›
Condition is very important and will greatly influence value. A beaten-up old book that is falling apart will have little value. First editions are sought-after by book collectors and a first edition is usually more valuable than a later printing. A first edition signed by the author will have even greater value.
How do you determine the value of a first edition book? ›
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.
Why is first edition so expensive? ›
This is because the first edition represents the most authentic and significant version of the book. Furthermore, a first printing of a first edition is the most valuable, as it represents the earliest copies produced and is therefore more rare.
Where is the best place to sell first edition books? ›
BookScouter
- Fadedgiant.net.
- Abebooks.com.
- Ebay.com.
- Rare Books and Manuscripts Section.
- Biblio.com.
- Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America.
The Little Golden Books printed through 1947 have the edition printed on the first pages. After 1947, letters were used to mark edition, A being first, B being second, and so on. From 1947 to 1970, one letter near the spine in the lower right corner noted the edition.
Are modern first edition books worth anything? ›
This is why books that were made into films are often so collectible in their first edition state. Extremely modern firsts are generally not worth much... yet. A signed, first edition of a recently released title can accrue value over time, but consider the scarcity factor.
How to spot a first edition book? ›
Print Run Number
It can help you identify the very “first edition.” Print runs are sequences of numbers (1–10), usually printed in descending/ascending, alternating order, or even without any particular order. Regardless of the sequence, if you see “1” in the print run, it means the first edition.
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 does 001 mean in a book? ›
The Numbers
If a 1 is present - in any sequence - it's usually a sign that the book is a first edition. If a book reads something like 3 5 7 9 8 6 4, then your book is not part of the first printing (the example above indicates a third printing cycle).
How do I scan a book to see how much it is worth? ›
All you need to do is enter the ISBNs or scan the barcodes with the Ziffit app, and you'll get an instant valuation. We offer great prices across a huge range of titles. If you have a stack of books that you no longer want, why not sell them with Ziffit?
Is it worth keeping first edition books? ›
They tend to be the most sought after by collectors, plus modern first editions can be easier to obtain as you don't need to get your hands on older releases in order to make a profit. New releases can also grow significantly in value within the first few years of publication.
Are first edition library books worth anything? ›
Books that have been circulated in public libraries, "Ex-library" or "Ex-lib" books, as they are generally referred to within the hobby, have very little collectible value, even if they are first editions.
How much is the Harry Potter first edition worth? ›
Published in 1998, the US version of Philosopher's Stone was retitled. Prices for first-edition first printings go up to around $6,500 with a fair selection between $4,000 and $5,000 – many signed by the author – although cheaper copies can be found.
Are first editions a good investment? ›
Like vinyl records, old VHS tapes and even Barbie dolls, early and special editions of classic children's novels are sometimes passed down as heirlooms and often have incredible value. If you have managed to hold on to these vintage books, you could be sitting on a fortune of up to £140k.
What makes an old book worth money? ›
In determining the value of a book there are three basic elements: 1) rarity, 2) condition, and, 3) demand.
