Book collecting guides
Plain answers to the questions collectors ask: how to tell a first edition, read a number line, spot a book club copy, grade a book and its jacket, and work out what it is worth.
How to Identify a First Edition
A true first edition is a copy from the first printing (first impression) of the first edition, so you check the edition and the printing. Start with the copyright page: look for a first edition or first published statement with no later impressions listed, read the number line if there is one, then confirm the known points of issue and the jacket price for that book.
Read the guideIdentifying first editions
Number Lines Explained
A number line is the row of numbers on the copyright page that tells you which printing a book is. In most cases the lowest number shown is …
Read the guide → 2 min readPoints of Issue Explained
Points of issue are small, documented differences between the first printing of a book and later ones, such as a misprint corrected in reprints, a binding colour or …
Read the guide → 2 min readBook Club Editions and How to Spot Them
Book club editions were sold to club members at a discount and often look like the trade first edition, sometimes even sharing its copyright page. Tell them apart …
Read the guide →Condition and care
How to Grade a Book's Condition
Collectors grade books on a six-step trade scale from Fine to Poor, and grade the book and its dust jacket separately. Name every significant fault, such as price-clipping, …
Read the guide → 2 min readDust Jackets: Why They Matter
For most books published since the 1920s, the original dust jacket carries a large share of the value, often most of it. Collectors check that the jacket belongs …
Read the guide → 2 min readHow to Look After Collectable Books
Keep collectable books upright, out of direct sunlight, in a cool room with steady, moderate humidity, and away from outside walls, lofts and cellars. Protect jackets with archival …
Read the guide →Values and selling
The collector's glossary
40 terms in plain English, from association copy to wrappers. Every guide links to it.
Put it into practice
Every book on MyVolumes lists its editions, how to spot the first printing, and what each is worth.