If the publisher of the book has changed since it was first released, the edition number is reset. This means there could technically be two or more first editions of the same book. A “true” first edition of a book is the first time the text was published in the first printing run of the book.
The dates may differ on a first edition if the copyright was acquired at a different time than the publishing. [3] X Research source If edits have been made to the text of the book, there may be multiple years listed under the copyright date. Always use the most recent year as your basis of judgement.
The numbers may be in numerical order or they may be in no discernible order. Always look for the lowest number. Sometimes, the printing year is also included in the line, denoted by the last 2 digits of the year. For example, the number line may read 1 2 3 4 5 00 99 98 97 96. This book would then be the 1st print in 1996.
For non-fiction books, new information or studies may be added in newer editions to keep the information current and clear. [6] X Research source
Book club editions may leave the area that normally has a barcode blank as well.
The same book can have multiple ISBNs depending on if it’s released in hardcover, paperback, or a limited edition style.
