Christopher Hayes <[email protected]> writes
The question I'm wanting to ask though, is the relative importance of First
Editions in formats other then the hard cover book. I have a number of
paperbacks as well that are first editions, and I'm wondering if they have
any inherent value on the secondary market like the first edition in hard
back.
In general paperbacks are not normally of value, unless they are say a
paperback original.
True Firsts, i.e. the first in the world, normally have the greatest
value. They can be the First Hardback, but there are cases where it can
also be a Book Club edition, though this is rare.
First Editions are the First in a specific format in a specific location
of a specific issue.
The First UK HC commands as much as the US True First, if not more, as
you also need to consider rarity. There are a lot of factors to be
considered.
But back to paperbacks.
A true UK First paperback Magician, or US Magician Apprentice, will
normally have no significant value, unless it is in perfect condition,
when it can be worth a multiplier of the value of the current paperback.
This is mainly due to scarcity in the condition. If it is signed, it is
worth more. If it is a review copy, it is worth more.
Now when we move to other countries, say Japan, this is a different
matter. Probably produced in lot smaller numbers, and normally of
interest only to those reading Japanese. But even so their are
collectors, so a fine condition First printing will again hold greater
weight. Now a Japanese edition signed by Ray? As Ray has never been to
Japan, the number of these signed would be very limited indeed, so price
would rise accordingly. Though by how much.... Only an auction in the
right venue could say.
Now add in the editors signature, and translator... then consider the
rarity.
So to sum up
Rarity, uniqueness, and condition are all factors.
And then there are those who prefer earlier covers to the current ones
:)
--
John
The Official Raymond E Feist Website
http://www.crydee.com/
Books to read, and shelves to fill,
Ray's great books, just fit the bill.
