Special Edition Books

A special edition print of a book is a general term for a book that is printed and distinct in some way. A special edition could be a limited edition, which restricts the number of books printed to a specified number. A special edition could also be a print specifically being printed for a certain amount of time. A special edition is also synonymous with a first edition (a copy printed from the first typesetting of the book), or signed first edition book.

Special edition books fetch the highest prices on the market and are typically the most sought after collectors' items. Many modern artists' books offer special hardcover editions, often with a signature from the artist. These are typically priced higher from the outset and available only in limited number. However, don't let these fool you. Once a writer or artist reaches a certain level of popularity, publishers rush to capitalize and sell nicely-bound, leather collections that are pricey and of superb quality, but little real value.

What Special Editions to Collect
When deciding what special edition books to collect, don't just blindly collect publications because of their age. Look for those that are in demand, those are the ones that will be worth the most. Even special edition books that are only available in a small number may not be valuable if there is no demand for them.

Several seemingly mundane collectibles are in high demand right now. Early first edition encyclopedias from the years 1768 through 1771 are very sought after. As well, the eleventh edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica is in steady demand. School primers are not that highly valued in general, except the first six McGuffey Readers that were published between the years of 1836 and 1856. Also, many book collectors covet pre-1850 illustrated textbooks.