[HPFGU-OTChatter] Harry Potter book first print question

P. Alexis Nguyen alexisnguyen at gmail.com
Tue Jan 8 05:23:24 UTC 2008


Christopher:
>  10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 07 08 09 10 11
>  Printed in the USA, 12<-------------
>  First Edition, July 2007
...snipped...
>  I would appreciate if you could shed some light on the meaning of
>  that particular #, and whether it makes a difference in determining
>  if the book is first edition or not.


Granted, I've no idea what that 12 on the 2nd line means, but the
standard methods of identifying first printings are by, one, the
"First Edition" line there and, two, by the line of numbers, with the
lowest number designating the edition.  In other words, if you've got
those exact lines in your book, chances are good that you've got a
first printing.

Out of curiosity, why are you looking for first editions?  I know the
UK ones might prove somewhat valuable, but it's doubtful that any
other countries' will. Moreover, with the first printings of the first
book for the UK & US numbering, if I recall properly and I well might
not, only 500, this search might prove difficult, at least concerning
the first few books that were out before HP fever started. (And
really, at this point, I've got to wonder if anyone with a first
printing of one of those books would be willing to give them up.) Just
curious. :)

~Ali




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