Customer Reviews

First Editions: A Guide to Identification

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This is the standard reference for first edition identification in the used book world. McBride guides paraphrase Zempel and cannot possibly be better because the Zempel guide reprints information obtained directly from the publisher. To quote from the Introduction, "Every statement, however, was prepared with the full cooperation and participation of the publisher." Unless it is believed that publishers want to intentionally mislead readers, this is the best possible guide to identifying firsts.

The guide is very easy to use. Publishers are listed alphabetically and their method of identifying first editions organized by year. Publishers change their practices over the years, so a Scribner first edition from 1924 will look different on the copyright page than a first from 1935. There is also an incredibly useful section on identifying book club editions which would solve many problems in identification, particularly in the cesspool of errors known as eBay. This book is built upon a guide to identifying firsts which originally appeared in 1928, using the same methods. The quality, quantity, pedigree and specificity of the information is second to none and there is no substitute for this book.

This is a reference book for the office, so the McBride guides would be a decent supplement for hitting the road. Also, this relates the practices of the publisher as obtained from the publisher, so this book will not give you points (book term for specific oddities about a particular book edition) on printing errors or on separating issues of a dustcover. For that kind of info, you need a specific bibliography such as provided by the Ahearns or the FPAA by Bruccoli.

If you are in the book world and do not have this book, you are an amateur regardless of sales volume. This is where first editions are defined, so pick it up or risk returns and ridicule from savvy collectors. Better yet, quiz your bookseller to see if they are ignorant or informed about identifying firsts.

I purchased this book for me and one for a friend. Once I spent time and learned how to use this reference it is the most comprehensive reference book on first editions. It is a wonderful addition to your collection in assisting you in identifying first edition books. I am glad I purchased this book.

If you are a serious collector or serious seller, you need this book. It truly is THE bible of identification of 1st/1st's. Worth every penny.

Zempel and Verkler are still king and queen of this indispensable first edition reference guide. There is simply no adequate substitute. If you're serious about book collecting and book selling, then you should buy the most current edition of this venerable tomb that your budget can handle.

The unique value in this reference guide is that the source of its content is founded on information made available by publishers. In many cases the publishers reviewed the material to authenticate its accuracy. Therefore, it is the most reliable data you can find for identifying first editions.

This is not the type of book you read from cover to cover. It's a reference book with its list of publishers arranged in alphabetical order, followed by comprehensive descriptions of first editions for the titles they carry. Not only is the material well organized, it's extremely easy to use. It'll make a great addition to your home office library although some book dealers actually carry it around in their cars.