førsteutgaver

Førsteutgaver refers to the initial printing or publication of a book. In the context of collecting, a "true first edition" is often highly sought after by bibliophiles. The definition of what constitutes a true first edition can vary depending on the publisher and the era of publication. Generally, it refers to the very first state of the book as it was printed, before any subsequent printings or revisions.

Identifying a first edition often involves examining specific points within the book, such as the copyright page, the publisher's mark, and the presence or absence of certain phrases or numbers. For example, some publishers will explicitly state "First Edition" on the copyright page, while others might use a number sequence where the lowest number present indicates the printing. The absence of any later printing indication is also a common characteristic.

The value of a first edition can be significantly higher than later printings, especially if the book is rare, by a renowned author, or in excellent condition. Factors like the author's fame, the book's literary importance, and the scarcity of the first printing contribute to its collectibility. Collectors often seek first editions to own a piece of literary history in its original form.