First Edition Books

First Edition Books

First Edition Books







Modern first editions are probably the most accessible area of book-collecting for the newcomer. English-language books published since the 1890s are particularly sought after if they are in good When collecting new first editions, the trick is to spot up-and-coming writers who are likely to capture the public's







imagination. Buying a first edition on publication and keeping it pristine may prove to be a good investment. And for collectors of older books, there are many bookshops and websites that specialize in first editions.









Dust proof Collectors generally define a first edition as the very first print run. or impression, of a book. Condition is vital, and the book must retain its original dust jacket. In the 19th century these were plain, but later they became more colorful and eye­catching to increase sales. The jacket on a second, or later, impression may differ from the first edition, perhaps with quotes added from book reviews.

First Edition Books

 A new generation Some of the finest post-war writers, including the Britons Lawrence Durrell, Anthony Burgess, Kingsley Amis, and William Golding, and the Americans Jack Kerouac, William Burroughs, and Allen Ginsberg, began their careers in the 1940s and 50s, and are sought after.










 A first edition of John osbornes 1957 play. Look Back in Anger can cost around £40-60. Kingsley Anus's first novel Lucky Jim (1954) and two earlier volumes of I * x'tiy can each sell for £ 1.000-3,000. but much of his other work costs around ,£30-50. A first edition of Anthony Burgess's A Clockwork. Orange (1962) can command £1,000-1,500. Contemporary interest  






 Look out for early works by today's popular writers such as Martin Amis, Vikram Seth, Sebastian Faulks, Salman Rushdie, Nick Hornby, and Irvine Welsh. Contemporary women authors are also popular - the film of the life of Iris Murdoch has introduced her to a new generation. Other top female writers include Margaret Atwood. A.S. Byatt, Zadie Smith, Donna Tartt. Helen Fielding, Pat Barker, and Fay Weldon. Books often rise in value when made into films.

First Edition Books

A US first edition of Patricia Highsmith's We Talented Mr Ripley (1955) can reach lip to £1,000 following the 1999 film adaptation. Shock, horror

First Edition Books

Science fiction, horror, spy stories, and detective fiction are popular themes. Ray Bradbury. Terry Pratchett, Brian Aldiss, Stephen King, and Arthur C. Clarke are top names in the science fiction and horror genres.







 With the exception of 'The Colour of Magic (1983), most of Terry Pratchett s titles from the mid-1980s onw ards are easy to find.



 Spy novels by John Le Carre, Frederick Forsyth, and Len Deighton are favourites, but Ian Fleming heads the field. A pristine copy of Casino Roy ale (1953), the first James Bond novel, can fetch £7,000.

First Edition Books

Liter books usually go for less: Golclfinger (1959) can cost £100. Agatha Christie, Ruth Rendell, and P.I). James are queens of crime writing. Prices for Agatha Christie can van' from £30-50 up to £2,000 or more. Her early novels from the 1920s and 30s are the most valuable.