Identifying First Editions can be an equally easy and difficult task as each publisher varies on how they designate their First Editions. Some books simply state "First Edition" on the copyright page and some just put a copyright date with no other distinguishing marks. Many publishers have changed their methods over the years and though identifying more modern First Editions has become substantially easier, it is always good to learn the general guidelines in identifying First Editions. You might ask why publishers have made it easier to identify First Edition books. The answer is more than likely because publishers have started to realize what the rest of us knew centuries ago. Books are treasured pieces of our time and are worthy of collecting and passing on. Where would the United States be without the collection of books amassed by Thomas Jefferson? This was the start of the Library of Congress! How sad would it be to know that the first book ever printed was the Gutenberg Bible, but not be able to actually see one if we wished to. Before the advent of the internet, how would we have passed the knowledge of each generation on? Word of mouth only goes so far you know...

Here are a few 'FlatSigned TIPS' on the most common ways publishers use to identify their First Editions:

· "First Edition," "First Printing," "First Published," "Published," or "First Impression" appears on the copyright page.
· A number line such as 987654321. Occasionally letters (ABC) are used. Generally if the 1 (or A) is present, it is a first printing. In some instances, it will state First Edition and the number line is present which should also count down to 1. The publisher Random House was known for a time for counting down to only 2 in their number with First Edition stated. This practice has since been replaced with the standard number line.
· The date on the title page is the same as the date on the copyright page.
· There is no designation for a first printing, but later printings are noted on the copyright page.

These basic guidelines will help you get started in identifying First Editions. For numerous books old and new, there are many other variables and other distinguishing characteristics that must be met before a book can truly be identified as a First Edition. Issue-points, as they are called, can be many things such as a misspelled word in text of a First Edition that was corrected for later printings, original price points on dust jackets, letter-codes hidden on the last page of text, so on and so forth. Generally, older, more valuable books are most susceptible to misidentification. The difference between a true First Edition and Book Club Edition may be minimal when quickly scanning over a book, but that difference can mean thousand of dollars for some of these treasures! FlatSigned has always been here for collectors and are happy to be a wonderful tool for each of our members and friends. Our extensive knowledge of books is worthy of sharing and as we teach, we also learn along with you! Is today the day that I get stumped by a fabulous question that has never been asked? Our goal is to help our clients as they travel down the book collecting path and we hope to be one of your most trusted sources of information today and in the future!

Tonight's Direct VIP Offers are for sale but are also a great showcase of the many different and unique issue points that First Editions books may have. Use them as a tool to further your knowledge of First Editions!