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.

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.

It is likely that the book should have been printed in 1952, but was put up for sale in 1958.

It depends on where you sell it, but it should sell for between 40 and 70 dollars.

If the book is "used," the markings are not "pre print."

Generally speaking, yes.

Not necessarily. Millions of copies of this book have been published since its original publication. If there is no info page, either it is a misprint or the page was ripped from the book.

No. The first edition of the book was published in 2017, but your copy was published and printed in 2021.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Usually not. Authors rarely make changes to the story between editions, and when they do, they are usually only minor changes. An example would be Tove Jansson changing the beginning of "Comet in Moominland" so that readers can enjoy it without needing to read the preceding book in the series. Changes are often mentioned or explained in the preface or introduction.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 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.

A "people's edition" of a book typically refers to an affordable version of a book that is produced specifically for the general public. This type of edition is often marketed towards people who may not be able to afford the more expensive hardcover or deluxe editions of a book. The people's edition may have smaller dimensions, lower-quality paper, and simplified or condensed content to make it more accessible and affordable. The term "people's edition" has been used throughout history, especially during times of social and political upheaval when books were seen as a means of spreading ideas and empowering the masses.

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 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.

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.

You may have a different pressing, or the website might list page count for one country while your pressing is from another (this happens frequently with sci-fi and fantasy distributed by Tor in North America and Gollancz in the UK and Australasia - the Gollancz books are usually physically smaller, requiring a higher page count). Sometimes books release simultaneously in hardback and trade paperback, which have different pagecounts due to their different sizes.

The first paperback edition could still be a reprint (there could be one or more editions that were hardcover-only, for instance). Also, some publishers - especially pre-1930s - will say a book is the "first edition" when it's the first edition they've published themselves, even if many other pressings already exist.