First edition what does it mean

What are first edition books? How do I tell if my book is a first edition? We answer these questions and more to help budding collectors. We try to answer some of these burning questions below. As BookBreak paid a visit to second hand bookshops this week, we are offering our pointers on how to spot a first edition book. A first edition is a book that has been printed and distributed for the first time. A book can go through several print cycles, sometimes with edits that add in author notes or additional material, so the book in its original form - during its initial release or first printing to the public - is what is generally defined as a first edition by collectors and sellers.

Depending on the popularity and demand of a book, it could become valuable further down the line. First editions are what some book collectors hunt for, and are often willing to part with considerable amounts of money. As an example, true first editions of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone are selling for thousands of pounds 20 years later.

If you see yourself as a budding collector, then noting our tips for spotting a first edition below may make your life a little easier. If there are two or more books described as a first edition, then a collector will want to know which one is superior. The confusion around first editions is illustrated by by George Orwell.

However, that UK first edition comes in a red dust jacket and also in a green dust jacket, and no-one seems to know which one was printed first. The general consensus is that the red issue is the true first but no-one has proof.

Identifying a first edition is no simple matter. There are thousands of publishers and they use a large variety of methods, which are often changed, to define first editions. This style has been used since World War II. The line sequence could ascend or descend or even have no discernable order depending on the publisher. All of these sequences below are first editions. Test your visual vocabulary with our question challenge! Love words? Need even more definitions?

Just between us: it's complicated. Ask the Editors 'Everyday' vs. What Is 'Semantic Bleaching'? How 'literally' can mean "figuratively". Literally How to use a word that literally drives some pe Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

The awkward case of 'his or her'. Take the quiz.