Q&A for How to Tell the Edition of a Book

The first edition is simply the first published version of a book. There may be multiple printings of a single edition. If any updates or changes are made to the text, or the book is released in a new format (such as paperback vs. hardcover), then a new edition will be published.

A first printing is the first set of a particular version or edition of a book, while the “edition” refers to the content and format of the book itself. A first edition book can have multiple printings if the first printing sells out. In the rare books trade, first printings of first editions are usually the most sought-after, and the term “first edition” is often used to refer to the first printing of a first edition.

The value of a first edition book depends on lots of factors. A rare first edition of a classic work of literature might be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars, for example, especially if it’s also a first printing, is in excellent condition, and has its original dust jacket. On the other hand, a more modern first edition, or an older first edition book that’s not in good shape or is not the first printing, might not sell for much.

It indicates that the book is printed in 1939 and that it was copyrighted at the time (this copyright may not be still in place). If it hasn't given you an edition, it may be a first edition because a first edition is often not marked as such.

Generally speaking, yes.

Typically, the number sequence indicates the print edition of your book.

No, POD stands for Print on Demand, which is a method of publishing, not a revised issue.

You can use websites like "isbnsearch.org" to look up ISBN numbers. Yet, I looked up the number you provided and several books came up from the search engine, including "Study Manuel for the Test of Essential Academic Skills, Version 5" and "DSM-5," not to mention countless others.

It seems you may have a first edition. Preserve it carefully as, in time, it could become valuable.

The notation "2.250,000 Edition" is unclear and doesn't conform to standard edition numbering. It's possible "2" refers to the second edition, while "250,000" might indicate the number of copies printed for this edition, although this is speculative without more context. Typically, editions are labeled as "First Edition," "Second Edition," etc., and the number of copies isn't usually included in this way.

Without more details, it's hard to pinpoint the exact year of publication. Check the book's sleeve for small print at the bottom that includes the publisher's name and serial number, where the original publication year is often listed. If there is only one year mentioned, it may be a first edition.

From your description, it seems you have a copy of "The Magic of Oz" by L. Frank Baum, published in 1919. This could indicate a first edition, but determining the specific edition requires considering factors like printing number. Consult online resources or a rare book dealer for more details to assess its value and significance.

You can look for three vertically aligned dots or check the fine print for details about the book's edition.

If a book lacks an edition number, you can try identifying it using other information like the publisher, year of publication, and author's name. Comparing the book with known editions of the same title can also help. Consulting a rare book dealer or a librarian who specializes in book history may provide more insight. The lack of an edition number does not necessarily diminish the book's value or collectibility. Other factors like condition and rarity can also impact its worth.

To determine the printing date of your Broadman Hymnal, you can look for a copyright or printing date in the book, examine the physical characteristics of the book, or look for other markings or inscriptions. The number "75N60KSP" on the forward page is not a standard printing or date code. You can also seek the assistance of a rare book dealer or a librarian who specializes in book history for help identifying the printing date or edition.

The alphanumeric code "Q100100" doesn't clearly indicate the book's edition according to any widely-recognized format like ISBN. Publishers often use internal codes for inventory and printing, so it may be specific to that publisher but is not universally interpretable.

If you see an alphabet with missing letters under the copyright information of a book, it could indicate the printing code used by the publisher to identify the specific printing of the book. For example, if the alphabet is A-L and the letter F is missing, it could mean that the book was the sixth printing of that edition. Each printing would have a different missing letter in the sequence, allowing the publisher to easily identify and track the printings.

If there is no number line under "Printed in the United States of America" on your book, it could mean that the book was printed before the use of number lines became common practice, the publisher chose not to include a number line on that particular printing, or the publisher used a different method to indicate the printing or edition. Check the copyright or title page for more information, and consider consulting a rare book dealer or librarian for help identifying the edition.

Sometimes you will see the words “First Edition” printed on a book page. It is often described as “First edition stated” by numerous booksellers. “First Impression,” “First Published,” or “First Printing” are other ways that publishers use to indicate the first edition.

If you have a book from 1967 with a Library of Congress Catalog Card number but with "D-R" printed above it where you expected to see a "First Edition" statement, it is possible that "D-R" represents the printing code used by the publisher to indicate the specific printing of the book. However, it's important to note that not all publishers use this method, and the sequence and letters used can vary. Therefore, it's always a good idea to check other indicators of the printing or edition, such as the number line, date of publication, and other statements on the copyright or title page.

Look for edition information on the copyright or title page, examine the physical characteristics, and check the publisher's information for indications of a different edition. If unsure, consult a rare-book dealer or a librarian who specializes in book history for assistance.

Look up the edition of the book online, or just go with the publish date.

A dust jacket is a paper (or plastic) cover on a book, sometimes with decorative designs. It is often used to protect the book from getting dirty or damaged.

Maybe. Check the publisher's date, because every book must have one. If the copyright test was a long time ago, most likely it's one of the first couple of editions.

You could search it on Amazon or other websites for buying books, or you could ask a librarian or a bookstore operator.

No. If they include words such as "reprinted" or any edition number other than 1, you've got a reprint on your hands. Also, if the book contains multiple years of publication and editions, you have a reprint.

A trade book is the most common category of book, published by a commercial publisher and intended for a general audience. In contrast, a textbook is published by an academic publisher and intended for a specialized audience.

An Arlington edition is part of a large series of now-rare books published in the nineteenth century. Among them are several works of Charles Dickens and Washington Irving.

The SBN system pre-dates the ISBN system, so your book is probably more than 50 years old. An SBN can be converted to an ISBN by simply placing a "0" in front of it.

Your copy is a new edition but not a first edition. If the book's title page shows all the years you mentioned, the most recent year is the year your copy was printed.