Many serious book collectors want first editions, and often look for those that are signed by the author. Of course, everyone knows what first edition means, right? On the verso (back) of the title page is the copyright notice, a printing history, the cataloging in publication information, and much more. Often, but not always, the words “First Edition” is printed in bold face. If these words are not found many people assume it is not a first edition, but that is not necessarily so.  One definition of a first edition is that the volume is printed from the original plates. So, if a printing is done from anything except the original plates it is not a first edition. If a second printing is done from the original plates, those volumes qualify as a first edition under this definition.

 Books that do not have the words “First Edition” on the verso of the title page may, in fact, be a first edition. Most modern volumes have a number line, or sometimes a string of letters, near the bottom of the page. If the book is not declared to be a first edition (some publishers do not declare a first edition this way), then check the number line. Look for the lowest number (or letter) in the number line. If it is “1” (or an  “A” in a letter line) then it is considered a first edition under the definition above.

 But all of this raises the question of whether a second printing from the original plates is really a first edition—or something less. Serious collectors will compare the printing history with the number (or letter) line to make a determination. If the volume in hand is a second or subsequent printing, but the lowest number is “1” in the number line, that means that it is a second printing from the original plates. Serious collectors want a first edition to mean the first printing from the original plates; they want the First of the First because it will have more value over time.

 If you want to collect first editions, you must discern between the two definitions to enhance the value of your collection, especially if you are paying more than retail for the book. With volumes predating the modern printing era, you should always get a professional appraisal before spending a lot of money for a purported first edition of a book.

 Copyright 2009, John A. Butler, All Rights Reserved