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Standing Tall – Caring for Book Spines Books need support too. We often turn to our old favorites or new discoveries for lessons or relief in our lives, but those pages need our help. When the pages are bound together, they form a textblock and …
Valentine’s Day Books for Young Children **Our newest book reviewer, Koufax Tennyson, tackles the world of children’s literature. In staying true to her namesake, the books are given a 1 to 4 baseball score: single, double, triple, or a homerun!** Words to describe this group …
We recently acquired a rare and collectible book, one that you only find every few years. While searching through comparable books and doing some price comparisons prior to listing the item, we were bewildered by the amount of deception, misunderstanding, and in some instances flat-out lies by sellers listing books as First Editions.
The most common dishonest tactic is using the term First Edition without disclosing the appropriate printing of a book. Sometimes this is an honest mistake or a lack of research. But as the saying goes, “Caveat Emptor,” let the buyer beware.
The lesson to be learned below is not to memorize every method each publisher uses to declare that a book is a first edition, but rather that the buyer should take the responsibility to do some homework before making a purchase.
A First Edition is the initial publication of a written work. This can include any number of printings before the book is edited, altered, or otherwise changed to another edition (e.g. New Edition, Revised Edition, Second Edition). A book can be a first edition, regardless if it is an earlier printing or later printing. “Gone with the Wind” comes to mind, as there are numerous printings of the 1930’s release but they are all still first editions. For the 1936 first edition, additional printings are indicated by the month/year and how many times it was printed, as demonstrated below:
Using that specific book as an example, a “December 1936 (twice)” marking would indicate that even though the book is a first edition, it is a 29th printing! This is a substantial difference in the value of a later printing book compared to that of a 1st printing.
[You will occasionally find a book listed as a first edition that is actually a book club edition that has similar markings of its first edition counterpart; please read our article on book club editions for a brief primer.]
Stated First Edition
The easiest first edition to spot is one that is stated on the copyright page as such, “First Edition,” or even stated further as a “First Printing.” While this happens on occasion, it is not usually the case. Typically you will have to consider a number of factors such as the publisher, the copyright/publication date, publisher codes, book errors, numberlines or printing numbers, etc. to determine if it is a first edition.
Publication Date
In many instances, particularly before the use of numberlines, the best way to determine if a book is a first edition is to see if the book has a publication date on the title page that matches the copyright date on the copyright page. There are always exceptions but this rule of thumb is useful for many 20th Century books.
Dust Jacket Price and Information
The price of the book will help pinpoint and confirm if the book you possess is a first edition. This also rings true for books you’re trying to identify as a first printing or first state based on the information, pricing, and jacket details (author photos, inside flap information, etc.).
Errors
As mentioned in the section below regarding First State books, printing errors can help identify a first edition as well. Steinbeck’s “East of Eden” bite error on page 281, Tolkien’s “Silmarillion” page 229 broken type error are just a couple examples of books with errors that help identify the earliest printing of a book.
Known as a “True First Edition,” a first printing of a book is the first run of the presses that a book publisher determines will meet their market needs (expected sales and current orders). The discussion of a first printing is where most sellers mislead potential buyers, by stating the book is a First Edition but failing to declare the printing number. There are various ways to determine if a book is a first printing or not.
Numberlines
Starting in the 1940’s, publishers began using what is known as a numberline to indicate the printing. There are even books published in the early 1900’s with markings similar to a numberline such as Appleton and Company publishers who use a (1) and similar numberings on the last page to indicate the print number.
Typically, this is found on the copyright page but can also be shown on the bottom of the last page. The range in length from a full numberline of 10 digits but can also be a few digits as well.
Typically, the lowest number in the numberline is the printing number; of course there are exceptions, such as Random House publications where a “2” in a numberline indicates a first printing. The numberline can be in any order, such as 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10, or even a odd numbers then even numbers such as 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2. You will encounter a vast array of numberlines and it will require some research based on the title and publisher to determine with certainty that the book you have is a first printing or not.
Lack of a Copyright, Turn of the Century Books
The important thing to note is that if a book is missing a copyright, publication date, or any other identifying marks then you’re likely dealing with a book from the late 1800’s and early 1900’s when copyright dates were not strictly observed by publishers. These types of books can still be desired but for the most part are not the original work or publication house for that given book.
This is the absolute earliest occurrence of a published work, and the phrase typically comes into play when you’re talking about an error in a book. There are numerous examples of Mark Twain books that underwent several changes during the initial printing run that created different states, such as first state, second state, and even mixed state. Other books from the 20th Century will have differences in the color of the boards, placement of ads, dust jacket alterations, address changes for the publisher, and other small details that determine the state. Asimov’s science fiction hit “Foundation” is a nice example of the a first edition with varying states based on the texture and design of the hardcover boards and also the dust jacket information, particularly the ads. As shown below, a second state of the book shows advertising on the rear flap and an oversized list of Gnome books on back of the dust jacket.
Advance Reading Copies
Also known as Uncorrected Proofs, these are pre-publication book copies that are sent out to various book reviewers to generate interest, responses, and overall desire for a new publication. These books are typically stated on the inside as first editions, but are again, issued prior to the first run.
How to Handle Books There are several things that many so called book “lovers” do that can be quite irritating: such as writing or highlighting, dog-earring pages, attaching ex-libris stickers, or otherwise damaging a book. But there is nothing as frustrating as seeing other book …
Bronze Anthology Book Review Artemis by Andy Weir (2017) ISBN: 9780553448122 Overview If you were to live on the moon, where would you sleep? What would you eat? How would you earn money? How would you breath? What would life be like… up there? The …
ISBN: 9780735220683
Overview
How do you respond when someone asks how you are doing? Do you say fine? Whether or not you are actually fine? That is Eleanor Oliphant. She is fine. She is really not fine – it is painfully clear that she is not fine – but that is the face she wants the world to see and the mirror to show. Hence, the following self-talk:
“I do exist, don’t I? It often feels as if I’m not here, that I’m a figment of my own imagination. There are days I feel so lightly connected to the earth that the threads that tether me to the planet are gossamer thin, spun sugar. A strong gust of wind could dislodge me completely, and I’d lift off and blow away, like one of those seeds in the dandelion clock.”
Compared to:
“I have always taken great pride in managing my life alone. I’m a sole survivor – I’m Eleanor Oliphant. I don’t need anyone else – there’s no big hole in my life, no missing part of my own particular puzzle. I am a self-contained entity.”
How can someone feel both insecurely tethered and confidently grounded to reality? You can’t, which becomes abundantly evident as Eleanor Oliphant comes to see her true self.
In Three Words
Isolated
Awkward
Baggage
Overall Thoughts
It is not until half way through the book that you begin to connect with the main character. At which point, it is debatable whether the connection is because of the amount of time spent with her or a genuine understanding of her. To elaborate, she has several rants that are relatable, like the overall decline in communication (e.g. the use of acronyms like LOL and OMG), but there are even more situations that are painful, like her social ineptitude (e.g. gifting a playboy or a used bottle of vodka). Clearly the author developed a unique main character, but it requires a dedicated effort to appreciate that uniqueness.
Several positive messages emerged at the end of the book, such as facing the past and appreciating the present, but those messages are both fleeting and predictable. The majority of the book is spent on Eleanor’s whack-a-doo behavior and it is mildly alarming when, at about the halfway point, her behavior begins to make sense.
Our Bronze Star Rating
It is a good read for anyone that has felt isolated or misunderstood. It is not a good read for anyone that is disinclined to be patient with a fictional character. Overall, it is a three bronze star read; minus a star because it is not a book I would re-read given the predictable ending and minus a second star because of the struggle to connect with the main character.
Bronze Anthology Book Review Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders (2017) ISBN: 9780812995343 Overview The winner of the 2017 Man Booker Prize and a highly acclaimed book, which was supposedly about the death of President Lincoln’s son, Willie, and his proceeding time in the …
Bronze Anthology Book Review We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter (2017) ISBN: 9780399563089 Overview Unfortunately, family histories often fade away as time goes on and the business of the present keeps us from learning about the past. Thankfully, this was not the case …
**Our newest book reviewer, Koufax Tennyson, tackles the world of children’s literature. In staying true to her namesake, the books are given a 1 to 4 baseball score: single, double, triple, or a homerun!**
Words to describe this group of books: Silly, Sleepy, Nighttime, Bedtime, Colorful, Creative, Cheerful, Happy, Interactive
My Mama and Papa love to read, and so they make sure I get a healthy dose as well. My bedtime stories are short and sweet but I certainly enjoy them nevertheless. Below are the first books my parents read to me and our thoughts on each:
Koufax’s Score: 4 Baseballs (Homerun) **TOP PICK**
An interaction type book that works through a “show and tell” method, where the readers are shown a skill and then asks the readers to imitate. This allows for word recognition, for example, take the phrase, “Paul can smell the flowers. Now YOU smell the flowers.” If you read the first sentence to your child, they will recognize the majority of the words in the second sentence. The repetitive nature of this activity is what learning to read is about, recognition. The book also showcases objects and demonstrates actions that most kids encounter each and every day, for example, playing games like peek-a-boo, seeing yourself in the mirror, touching your Daddy’s face, and reading a book. This is a phenomenal read for children and one you should consider for its interactive method.
Koufax’s Score: 4 Baseballs (Homerun)
If you’re looking for a book that provides sentimental reinforcement, this is the one. While other children’s books focus on tangible objects, this one focuses on something far greater to comprehend. Although it is aimed at “kids,” we will argue it is written more for the parents, to help remind them of their role as a provider and caregiver. “And think of all the different ways that we can show our love…” is the underlying theme and purpose of this book. Hold those little ones tight and talk about all the ways you show each other love.
Koufax’s Score: 3 Baseballs (Triple)
Harold is one creative little fella, which is what makes this book so interesting. Each supposed ending, comes with a new beginning. It is one continuous loop of creative transitions, which encourages kids to create and build their surroundings. The illustrations are simple and easy-to-follow. Just try not to let your kiddo get their hands on crayon while reading this book.
Koufax’s Score: 4 Baseballs (Homerun)
As it pertains to bedtime stories, it doesn’t get much better. The descriptive words and illustrations allow the reader and listeners to identify and match objects. It provides infants and children a chance to search and work on recognizing colors, numbers, animals, etc. Since you can purchase most editions of this book in the thick cardboard format (known as a board book edition), it will help your little ones take initiative of the reading experience. Also, consider practicing the same exercise with your kids by having them say goodnight to the objects in their room.
Koufax’s Score: 3 Baseballs (Triple)
Vibrantly illustrated by none other than Eric Carle, who also wrote and illustrated The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The rhythm of the writing and repetitive chant allows readers to easily remember the lines to this book. On the other hand, the use of the repetitive chant is excessive and does not provide much in the way of a story, as the chant itself replaces the story. It also provides some reality for children to relate to such as a brown bear and a yellow duck, while challenging their imagination with a blue horse and a purple cat.
At its basic level, there are three parties involved in the book buying process: 1. book collector, 2. book scout, and 3. book dealer.