- 1). Research what to look for so you can correctly identify a first edition book. If you cannot do this properly, you're likely to spend a lot of money on books that are not first editions. For example, look for words like "first printing," or "first edition" or "first impression" will appear on the copyright page.
Another clue can be the numbering which was used before ISBN numbers came into use after World War II. Patterns like this: "987654321" or something similar are a good sign since the number includes a "1" for a first edition or first printing. This would also be found on the copyright page.
Arming yourself with a book like Richard Russell's "Antique Trader Book Collector's Price Guide" will be helpful in your search for first editions. - 2). Visit book sales at libraries. Libraries make a practice of holding book sales yearly as a way to raise money. Patrons and other members of the community may also donate books to the library and sometimes there may be first editions among them. It may also be possible that the library may just be trying to thin its selves of books that are no longer read by their patrons and add them to book sales as well. It is indeed possible that some of these books would be first editions as well.
- 3). Attend lawn sales, garage sales, estate sales and yard sales. They can be wonderful sources for first editions, partly because sometimes people sell items without truly knowing their worth. Remember to come armed with your books on collecting first editions.
- 4). Attend auctions where collectible books are sold. Auctions houses like Christies often have auctions where collectible books are sold. Online auctions can also be a source for first editions, though a word of caution applies -- you'll need to see the page on which the information about when the book was published appears. This is so you can make sure you're not bidding on something that is not as it's advertised.
- 5). Go to used book stores. You could find first edition there right on the shelves. Make sure you inspect the book carefully before buying it. Another source could be warehouses or overrun stores. In both cases, you may be able to find first editions... and for reasonable prices.
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