Modern First Editions Store and Blog

The first edition of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee was published in 1960 by J. B. Lippincott in Philadelphia. It was Lee’s first and only book and was instantly acclaimed, winning the Pulitzer Prize for fiction for 1960. There is some controversy on the authorship, with some thinking that it was actually written by Truman Capote. It is estimated that only 5,000 copies were printed of the first printing.

First Edition Points:

• Published by J. B. Lippincott Company.
• “First Edition” stated on the copyright page below the copyright information. Later printings are also stated in this format: “Twenty-third Impression”. If no printing is stated it is a book club edition.
• Capote quote in green ink on front flap.
• $3.95 price on the bottom of front flap ( didn’t change on later printings but is helpful to rule out book club editions).
• No mention of printing on front flap of dust jacket (later printings are stated by printing like: “Second Printing”)
• Some first printings have Shirley Ann Grau and Phyllis McGinley reviews on the rear flap and some have a Jonathan Daniels on the rear flap. It seems that there is a preference for the Daniels state.
• Photo of Lee on the rear panel of the dust jacket (not a real point as this was kept until the third printing and also appeared on early book club editions. However any printings, even book club editions that have the author photo are in demand).

Check for the letters FEL on the rear flap as a FACSIMILE reprint was issued that is exactly the same except for those letters.

Value:
First Printing:
Fine in Dust Jacket, $40,000
Very Good in Dust Jacket, $12,000
Fine without DJ, $4000
Very Good without DJ, $1500
Second Printing:
Fine in Dust Jacket, $4500
Very Good in Dust Jacket, $1500
Other Printings up to the Tenth are worth between $50 for a nice Tenth to $1800 for a nice Third Printing.
Book Club Editions that have the Harper Lee photo of the back are worth up to $200 for a very nice example.

First UK Edition Published by Heinemann in 1960 (Points: “FIRST PUBLISHED IN GREAT BRITAIN 1960″ with no additional printings listed and jacket priced at 16s.):
Fine in Dust Jacket: $4000
Very Good in Dust Jacket: $750

Signed copies usually command at least a couple hundred more but signed first editions are fairly hard to find so expert somewhat more on signed first editions.

First Editions of this book on Abebooks

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March 28th, 2010 | Category: Literature | Leave a comment

The place that has the biggest selection, good prices and best search is Abebooks.

First of all I go to Abebooks Advanced Search and enter the title, the last name of the author, and sometimes the publisher into their respective fields in the search, then I click the checkboxes labeled “First Edition” and “Dust Jacket”. Sometimes I sort by highest price first if the search has alot of later editions or book club editions (most of the time the search works pretty good but sometimes it will bring up book club editions on a First Edition search).

Watch out for facsimile dust jackets as sometimes books are sold with facsimile dust jackets for those that cannot afford the real thing.

Condition Guide:
Very Fine: As New.
Fine: Almost As New with no real faults but perhaps not quite as crisp as new.
Near Fine: No markings, tight square binding, very clean. Dust Jacket may have a small closed tear or two.
Very Good: Clean, may have moderate wear, may have owner’s name. Dust jacket may have a few tears and even some moderate chipping if clean. Overall usually very presentable.
Good: May have more wear and foxing. Hinges may be cracked. Dust jacket has some wear and chipping.
Fair: Generally soiled, very worn, with alot of writing, or a bad binding. Dust Jackets in this condition have large tears, soiling, much chipping and other problems.
Poor: Usually a terrible copy though often readable.

So in conclusion if you are looking for a First Edition the best place to find a good price from a reputable dealer is Abebooks.

Other websites that are useful are:

Ebay – You can often get very good deals on First Editions on Ebay but you have to be careful that they are really firsts and not later printings or book club editions. Most people who sell on there are not out to get you but many are clueless on how to identify first editions.

Biblio – another dealer site with many of the same books as Abebooks.

WorldCat – a good resource to find out when the first edition was published, especially from the 18th or 19th centuries.

February 1st, 2009 | Category: Literature | Leave a comment

If you have a book that you just cannot find anywhere I am starting a free book search service.
You email me the title, author, publisher (if you know it), date and any other information such as condition, first edition, signed, etc. and I will find the book you are looking for and email you if I am able to find a copy for sale. I have been able to find many rare books for people, many times at prices cheaper.

So if you have a book that you want that you can’t find or even if you just want to find the best price on a certain book send an email to thebooksearcher<AT>gmail.com and I will get back to you within a day or so, usually less. Remember, this service is totally free with no obligations on buying.

January 25th, 2009 | Category: Uncategorized | Leave a comment

The first edition of Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance by Barack Obama was published in 1995 by Times Books (A division of Random House) in New York. It is said to have been published in an extremely small first printing of only 7500 copies and was published before Obama was even a state senator, let alone President Elect. Printed in much lower numbers than the first edition of The Audacity of Hope. So it is very scarce/rare.

First Edition Points:

• States “First Edition” on the copyright page
• Has “9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2″ number line on copyright page (Random House always left out the 1 on first printings).
• $23.00 price on front flap of the dust jacket.

Do not confuse this with the 2004 reissue by Crown Publishing.

Values:
1995 First Edition in Dust Jacket: $4000
1995 First Edition in Dust Jacket Signed: $10,000-15,000
First Printing of the 2004 Crown Reissue in DJ: $750
First Printing of the 2004 Crown Reissue in DJ: $2500
Any printing Signed: $1000

These have been increasing in value for some time and should continue to be more and more collectible.

First Editions of this book on Abebooks
Signed copies on Abebooks

If you are just looking for a cheap copy to read go here (there are also some cheaper signed copies there as well).
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December 8th, 2008 | Category: Uncategorized | Leave a comment

The first edition of The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama was published in 2006 by Crown [Publishers] in New York. The book was on the New York Times Bestseller List for some time and still enjoys great sales, especially now that Obama has been elected to th Office of President of the United States.

First Edition Points:

• “First Edition” stated on copyright page
• Number line of 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 on copyright page
• Rear panel of dust jacket has a quote from the book (all or at least most later printings had reviews)
• $25.00 price on front flap of the dust jacket (I don’t think that this is really a point as the book still has the same retail price but it is useful to make sure it is not a Book Club Edition).

Value:
Collectible prices on this book have continued to rise since February and should continue to rise as Obama is inaugurated President.

First Edition in Dust Jacket in Fine Condition: $200-$295
First Edition in Dust Jacket Signed: $600-$1200 depending on condition
Advance Reading Copies/ARCS Signed are going for $4000 or more (and are quite scarce/rare)

First Editions of this book on Abebooks
Signed copies of this book of Abebooks

If you are just looking for a copy to read go here (they also have some cheaper first editions for sale as well).
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December 8th, 2008 | Category: Non-fiction | Comments (1)

Dr. Seuss’s books are some of the most popular children’s books of all time. Nearly all of them have sold at least a couple of million copies and some such as the Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham have sold much more than that.

Dr. Seuss First Editions are favorites with highspot collectors and children’s book collectors, because while it can take a while to get a complete set that is part of the fun of it.

Dr. Seuss Firsts are fairly difficult to identify as they do not state First Edition so if you are interested in collecting or selling Dr. Seuss First Editions you need the book First Editions of Dr. Seuss Books by Helen and Marc Younger / Dan Hirsch. It tells in simple easy to understand language how to identify Dr. Seuss Firsts, complete with color photos of each book. It is well worth the money. You may think that is a lot of money to pay for a reference book but it will pay for itself in the first purchase or sale you make – so that you can know what your buying or selling.

But one thing that the Younger/Hirsch bibliography lacks is a price guide (but that is understandable since if a price guide were included it would be far out of date by now).

So here is a current price guide to Dr. Seuss First Editions:

And to Think that I Saw It on Mulberry Street. New York: Vanguard Press, 1937.
Value: About $10,000 in Dust Jacket; About $2000 without Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins. New York: Vanguard Press, (1938).
Value: $7000 to $8000 in Dust Jacket; About $1000 without Dust Jacket.
First Editions of the Book on Abebooks

King’s Stilts. New York: Random House, (1939).
Value: About $10,000 in Dust Jacket (but almost in impossible to find); About $1000 without Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

Horton Hatches the Egg. New York: Random House, (1940).
Value: About $8,000 to $10,000 in Dust Jacket (Almost impossible to find); About $500 without Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

McElligot’s Pool. New York: Random House, (1947).
Value: About $4000 in Dust Jacket; About $500 without Dust Jacket. (prices are for the first state; laters states can be had for much less).
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

Thidwick: The Big-Hearted Moose. New York: Random House, (1948).
Value: About $3000 in Dust Jacket; About $150 without Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

Bartholomew and the Oobleck. New York: Random House, (1949).
Value: $1750 in Dust Jacket; About $150 without Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

If I Ran The Zoo. New York: Random House, (1950).
Value: $1500 in Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

Gerald McBoing Boing. New York: Simon & Schuster, (1952).
Value: $600 Issued without Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

Scrambled Eggs Super. New York: Random House, (1953).
Value: $1250 in Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

Horton Hears a Who. New York: Random House, (1954).
Value: $1250 in Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

On Beyond Zebra. New York: Random House, (1955).
Value: $600 in Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

If I Ran The Circus. New York: Random House, (1956).
Value: $600 in Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

The Cat in the Hat. New York: Random House, (1957).
Value: $3000-4000 in Dust Jacket. (2nd state: $1000, 3rd and 4th: $50-75).
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

How the Grinch Stole Christmas. New York: Random House, (1957).
Value: $1200 in Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

The Cat in the Hat Comes Back. New York: Beginner Books, (1958).
Value: $450 in Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories. New York: Random House, (1958).
Value: $200 in Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

Happy Birthday to You. New York: Random House, (1959).
Value: $200 in Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

Green Eggs and Ham. New York: Beginner Books, (1960).
Value: $5000-6000 in Dust Jacket (with sticker); $1000 in Dust Jacket (printed box)
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish. New York: Beginner Books, (1960).
Value: $350 in Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

Sneetches. New York: Random House, (1961).
Value: $250 in Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

Ten Apples Up on Top (under the pseudonym: Theo LeSieg). New York: Beginner Books, (1961).
Value: $1500 in Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

Dr. Seuss’s Sleep Book. New York: Random House, (1962).
Value: $200 in Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

Hop on Pop. New York: Beginner Books, (1963).
Value: $250 in Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

Dr. Seuss’s ABC. New York: Beginner Books, (1963).
Value: $300 in Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

The Cat in the Hat Beginner Book Dictionary. New York: Beginner Books, (1964).
Value; $250 in Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

Fox in Socks. New York: Beginner Books, (1965).
Value: $400 in Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

I had Trouble in Getting to Solla Sollew. New York: Random House, (1965).
Value: $350 in Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

I wish that I had Duck Feet. (under the pseudonym Theo LeSieg). New York: Beginner Books, (1965).
Value: $750 in Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

The Cat in the Hat Beginner Book Dictionary in French. New York: Beginner Books, (1965).
Value: $250 in Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

The Cat in the Hat Beginner Book Dictionary in Spanish. New York: Beginner Books, (1966).
Value: $200 in Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

Come Over to My House. (under the pseudonym: Theo LeSieg). New York: Beginner Books, (1966).
Value: $750 in Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

Cat in the Hat Songbook. New York: Random House, (1967).
Value: $35 Not issued in Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this book on Abebooks

Eye Book (under the pseudonym: Theo LeSieg). New York: Bright & Early Books, (1968).
Value: $1500 in Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

Foot Book. New York: Bright & Early Books, (1968).
Value: $600 in Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

My Book about Me. New York: Beginner Books, (1969).
Value: $750 or more (most copies either are not first editions or they are written in). Not issued in Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

I can Lick 30 Tigers Today. New York: Random House, (1969)
Value: $200
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

Mr. Brown can Moo, Can You? New York: Bright & Early Books, (1970).
Value: $1200 in Dust Jacket
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

I can Draw It Myself. New York: Beginner Books, (1970).
Value: $750 or more (very hard to find without writing). Not Issued in Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

I can Write. New York: Bright & Early Books, (1971).
Value: $750 or more (very hard to find without writing). Issued without Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

The Lorax. New York Random House, (1971).
Value: $750 Issued without Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

In a People House (under the pseudonym; Theo LeSieg). New York: Bright & Early Books, (1972).
Value: $2500 in Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

Marvin K. Mooney will You Please Go Now. New York: Bright & Early Books, (1972).
Value: $1000 in Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are? New York: Random House, (1973).
Value: $200 Issued without Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

The Many Mice of Mr. Brice (under a pseudonym). New York: Bright & Early Books, (1973).
Value: $750 (without damage). Issued without Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

Shape of Me and Other Stuff. New York: Bright & Early Books, (1973).
Value: $500 in Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

Great Day for Up. New York: Bright & Early Books, (1974).
Value: $500 Issued without Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

There’s a Wocket in My Pocket. New York: Bright & Early Books, (1974).
Value: $400 Issued without Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

Wacky Wednesday (under a pseudonym). New York: Beginner Books, (1974).
Value: $400 Issued without Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

Oh The Thinks You can Think. New York: Beginner Books, (1975).
Value: $40 Issued without Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

Would You Rather Be a Bullfrog. New York: Bright & Early books, (1975).
Value: $750 Issued without Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

Because a Little Bug Went Ka-choo (under a pseudonym). New York: Beginner Books, (1975).
Value: $2500 (very hard to find). Issued without Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

Cat’s Quizzer. New York: Beginner Books, (1976).
Value: $100 Issued without Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

Hooper Humperdinck…? Not Him! New York: Bright & Early Books, (1976).
Value: $750 Issued without Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

Please Try to Remember the First of Octember (under a pseudonym). New York: Beginner Books, (1977).
Value: $500 Issued without Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

I can Read with My Eyes Shut. New York:Beginner Books, (1978).
Value: $125 Issued without Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

Oh Say Can You Say. New York: Beginner Books, (1979).
Value: $40 Issued without Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

Maybe You Should Fly a Jet. (under a pseudonym). New York: Beginner Books, (1980).
Value: $1250 Issued without Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

Tooth Book. New York: Bright & Early Books, (1981).
Value: $1250 Issued without Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

Hunches in Bunches. New York: Random House, (1982).
Value: $35 Issued without Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

Butter Battle Book. New York: Random House, (1984).
Value: $20 Issued without Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

You’re Only Old Once. New York: Random House, (1986).
Value: $20 in Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

I am Not Going to Get Up Today. New York: Beginner Books, (1987).
Value: $45 Issued without Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

Oh The Places You’ll Go. New York: Random House, (1990).
Value: $25 in Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

Daisy Head Mayzie. New York: Random House, (1994).
Value: $15.00 in Dust Jacket.
First Editions of this Book on Abebooks

**Prices are for Very Good examples. By Very Good I mean copies without much chipping and that are clean and bright. Fine copies are almost impossible to find and will command a much higher price and lesser copies can be much less expensive. Sometimes prices may bit slightly off but I have been specializing in these books for several years and am very experienced with pricing them.
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November 18th, 2008 | Category: Children's Books | Comments (15)

The first edition of Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White was published in 1952 by Harper & Brothers in New York. One of the most popular children’s classics. Illustrated by Garth Williams.

First Edition Points:

• Published by Harper & Brothers
• “First Edition” is stated on copyright page
• “I-B” code on copyright page
• $2.50 price on front flap of dust jacket
• Advertises Stuart Little on the back panel of the dust jacket and lack of mention of later books

All those published by Harper & Row are later printings after 1963.
Book Clubs have no edition statement except “Book Club Edition” on front flap of the dust jacket and no two letter code on copyright page. Any copy with a two letter code is a printing between 1952 and 1962.

Value:
Very Good, $1000
Fine, $4500

First Editions of this book on Abebooks

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October 26th, 2008 | Category: Children's Books | Comments (33)

The first edition of Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand was published in 1957 by Random House in New York.
It was published in green cloth with a colorful dust jacket which was priced at $6.95.

First Edition Points:

• “First Printing” stated on copyright page
• 10/57 code on bottom of front dust jacket flap
• Publisher’s name and address on bottom of rear flap.

Value: Fine, $3500, Very Good, $1000

First Editions of this book of Abebooks

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September 24th, 2008 | Category: Literature | Leave a comment

The first edition of East of Eden by John Steinbeck was published in 1952 by The Viking Press in New York.

First Edition Points:

• Published by The Viking Press
• “First published by the Viking Press in September 1952″ stated on copyright page with no mention of later printings.
• Photo of Steinbeck on the rear panel of the dust jacket (later printings have reviews instead).

Some claim that “bite” on page 281, line 38 (instead of “bight”) as a first issue point but this error appears on at least the second printing and perhaps the book club edition.
The is also the Signed Limited issue of the First Edition which has the same points but with Steinbeck’s signature and limitation notice and was issued in a glassine dust jacket and slipcase.

Value:
Limited Edition:
Fine, $4500
Very Good, $2500
Trade Edition:
Fine, $2500
Very Good, $400-$600

First Editions of this book on Abebooks

References:
Goldstone, Adrian H.; Payne, John R. John Steinbeck: A Bibliographical Catalogue Of The Adrian H. Goldstone Collection. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1974.

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September 10th, 2008 | Category: John Steinbeck, Literature | Leave a comment