I really want to collect 1st editions

[Taz]

I know this sounds like a rather bizarre ambition, but I have been reading Stephen King's since I was 11, and have only on one occasion found a book that I wasn't enthralled by. Anyway back to the ambition and more about me in a bit, I would like to collect 1st editions of every single Stephen King book ever written, including those written as Richard Bachman. This is obviously going to be incredibly difficult and expensive because of the length of time Stephen King has been writing, since long before I was born. I don't want to collect these books for monetary purposes, simply because I love these books, the style of writing appeals to my imagination in a way that I find other authors lacking. Don't get me wrong I am never without a book and have since my late teens stopped only reading Stephen King and broadened my literary experiences, at the advice of a teacher during final exams when she noticed that all the books I had submitted to be tested on were Stephen Kings, and it's a move I do not regret, but for me Stephen King books will always be special to me and for me, reading them is like entering another world, I think my appreciation is also increased due to the huge amount of respect I have for the man himself and his wife, Tabatha, from my, obviously, limited knowledge of their lives I admire their solidarity and the trials they have managed to overcome. Anyway I have digressed, what I would really like to know is there anyone who knows where the best place to continue my search for first editions might be. Thanks to anyone who can be of help, and carry on reading.

Taz

[phidgt]

Good luck with this and I hope you have a very sizeable fund with which to purchase these books. King's novel are very high on the collectors' lists and with that come some incredible price tags. There is another thread on the board somewhere where folks have listed a bunch of recommendations. You may want to try a search for it.

[delores 74]

Good luck with that one! I have several first editions in my collection, but some of them are simply out of my reach, such as the first few he wrote. A first edition Carrie for instance, can run you well over $1,000. If you are intent on collecting all FE's, ebay is a good place to start. Remember though, that you will likely be pulling out a large chunk of change. You can also hit used bookstores. My husband found quite a few FE's there for me a few years ago.

[Cowboy]

Get started on the collecting. You will find many of them at very reasonable prices. Just takes some leg work.

[the_last_gunslinger]

I've got about seven or eight 1st editions myself, though none of them are particularly rare. And most of mine I got off ebay. A word of caution about that, though. Many people list paperbacks as 1st editions, referring to the 1st print in soft cover. Also, in regards to hard covers, there can be some confusion. I knew what I was getting when I bought a hc Wolves of the Calla, fully aware that it was not a true first edition even though the auction claimed it was. Based on the cover art, I could tell that it was a 1st trade edition, but that was all.

[Ubasti]

I'm on the same quest and like others have said, it's a big investment. Try used book stores, library sales, thrift shops and garage sales. Good luck.

[IUSMPhD]

Forgive my ignorance, but how can you tell by looking at a book if it is first edition?

[Taz]

I'm a newby myself, I did come across a question in the FAQ's that explains it a lot better than I could...good luck

Thanks, I honestly appreciate every bit of advice I can get, I didn't think of library sales, will definitely be looking there :)

Luckily I am young, and have plenty of time for the legwork and take time to build up the collection. :)

I know, it is a bit of a challenge...I don't quite know if I'm going to be able to pull it off, but I might be happy with 1st editions of my favourites, difficult to pick though :), I have a few first editions but only of most recently published books, and even with some of those I missed the first edition, but luckily (hopefully) time is on my side, so even though I'm itching to get this collection because of the cost and such as well as people not selling the real deal I would rather take my time, thanks for your info :)

[Taz]

Good luck with this and I hope you have a very sizeable fund with which to purchase these books. King's novel are very high on the collectors' lists and with that come some incredible price tags. There is another thread on the board somewhere where folks have listed a bunch of recommendations. You may want to try a search for it.

Thanks, I'll check it out, nope I don't have the funds, but I'm hopeful...I also am fairly good at saving money and a wealth of patience, I'll get there x

[JohnDalglish]

I'm on the same quest and like others have said, it's a big investment. Try used book stores, library sales, thrift shops and garage sales. Good luck.

Hi,

I agree, the fun is in the searching IMO.

(And the finding of a gem, of course, they're out there).

Long days and pleasant nights

[SixPins]

Forgive my ignorance, but how can you tell by looking at a book if it is first edition?
Here's a link on how to identify a SK first edition, it is very helpful: http://www.stephenking.com/other/identifying_first_editions.pdf

I have the majority of King's work in First Edition Hardcovers and they were not hard to obtain, nor were they harsh on my wallet. I found most of them at a used book store called Half Priced Books. They are in mint condition and were about $7 each. The Bachman books will probably be harder to get your hands on. I have yet to get any of them.

[bopropadop]

Forgive my ignorance, but how can you tell by looking at a book if it is first edition?


There's an excellent resource on the main site under "The Library" to help identify SK first editions. Click on The Library and look for the .pdf link on the right side of the page.

You can find it here:

http://www.stephenking.com/the_library.html