posted on January 23, 2001 01:07:43 PM
I have a book I want to sell and I am trying to figure out if it is a first edition or first printing. I don't know if this will tell you anything but the numbers that are on top of the ISBN numbers are:
Q175.S2326 1982 128 82-17828
Copyright 1983 by Jonas Salk
Intro Essays, XXXX Copyright 1982 by Joe Blow
Also this is a signed book I found at the bottom of a box at a library sale. I can't afford to go have the book appraised but the signature looks just like other ones I have found by Salk. Any ideas for wording in an auction so I can let people know the signature appears to be authentic but has not been officially appraised.
posted on January 23, 2001 01:42:38 PM
Q175.S2326 1982 is the library call number. The book is Jonas Salk's "Anatomy of Reality: Merging of Intuition and Reason" New York: Columbia University Press, 1983, correct? I don't believe university presses specifically state "First Edition" in their printings, as most academic books get one printing (not usually a high demand, and if so they are clearly marked as reprints). So, it looks like you may have a "first edition". Could you scan the copyright page and post it, just for clarification? I found two copies online (one in Bibliofind, one in Alibris)...both in poor condition, but priced between $50-$80. A signed copy would be a bonus, no doubt. Definitely include a scan of the signature, and let the buyer decided.
Gotta love those library book sales! I found a signed copy of Richard Petty's autobiography at one that fall, for 50 cents.
posted on January 23, 2001 01:50:39 PMathena1365 Yep, you got the right book. Thanks for your help. One other question, is eBay the best place to try to sell this?
This too was a 50 cent copy.
abacaxi Those numbers I listed are the only ones that are listed, other than the ISBN numbers.
posted on January 23, 2001 02:24:12 PM
Boots -
If you list it in the appropriate category, and emphasize the Salk signature it should do pretty well.
Salk groupies would be in the books/educational/medical cat AND maybe the Collectibles/Science/General category
posted on January 23, 2001 02:59:04 PM
I sold an autographed book by Agatha Christie about a year ago and also found it at a library sale fill a bag for $3.00. Approximate cost 10 cents. It even had the letters of authenticity with it. I got $326.00 for it. I put in the title Agatha Christie signed (name of book). Lucky find. Go to Barnes and Noble out of print books enter the title, author and then below check signed, first edition. If there are any there it will give you a price what other book sellers are asking for. If no book under that take away the check marks from signed and first edition and see what comes up. Good Luck
