Writerosity wrote:
> I'm talking about all books, not just Tom Clancy.
>
> Writerosity
Actually, I had thought Mr. Johnson very observant in that
detail.
If you bring up the internet Wayback Machine -
http://www.archive.org/web/web.php - and look up
abbookman.com, you will find in its archives a lengthy
(about 34 page) guide to first edition information by
publisher. Once you have digested this, then as to any
particular book, you can gain valuable information from
used.addall.com - though such information has to be read
with a discerning, and sometimes cynical, eye.
As to particular authors, you can often find bibliographies
of their works. These are most often in print and not on
the web, though I have come across some excellent ones (esp.
re the Sherlock Holmes novels and stories) on the web. As
to 19th and early 20th C American Literature, there is a
superb general bibliography known as the Bibliography of
American Literature, a large multi-volume set found in
better libraries.
Often what makes the difference between a true first and a
nearly true first is the kind of detail that Mr. Johnson
grabbed hold of. Sometimes the only difference is mashed
typeface on a certain line on a certain page of the book.
With the mashed type the book may be worth hundreds or
thousands. Without it, you can sell it for a few dollars.
But unless you consult the bibliographies, you will never
know that. The more reputable dealers who advertise on-line
provide such details. Others do not.
A gentleman named McBride published some pocket guides a
while back and these can easily be purchased on-line. They
provide useful information as to a limited number of books.
Francis A. Miniter
>> Stay informed about: Original Dates of Publication... 
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