Stephen King First Editions: How to Recognize One
Stephen King is a very recognizable name in the genre of horror fiction. Though, not all of his books fall into this category. His writing is very popular, and his books are in high demand. First editions are sought after by collectors, and avid fans. Some are more valuable than others, and some are very hard to find! But, how do you tell if that book you have is a first edition? In the more recent published books of his, it is a little easier, but for his older works, it can be a bit difficult. I will make it all easier for you! I will go book by book and give you all the information you need to identify Stephen King first editions. This will be updated as new books are released.
If you find you have a first edition, and are curious about the value, there are numerous places you can go to find out the value. Most bookstores that deal in rare books, collectible books, and that sort of thing, should be able to appraise the book for you. If you choose to sell it, they may also be willing to either buy it from you, or sell it on consignment.
If you have some that you just really don't want, I would be more than happy to take them off of your hands!!
Terms Defined
There are a lot of terms in here that some of you may not be familiar with. I will include pictures for reference, as well as a description. This guide is for trade editions only. Limited editions are sometimes published before or after the trade edition, and do not affect it's value. Obviously, limited editions are far more valuable, and I may cover these in the future.
- Trim Size: Trim size is basically the dimensions of the book itself. This information is provided because often, Book Club editions of books tend to be smaller than the original. If you have a book that seems smaller than others, it very well may be a book club edition. "Book Club Edition" will usually be found on the inside of the dust jacket.
- Dust Jacket: The dust jacket is the paper that is wrapped around the book. It is there to protect the book, and if missing, the value of the book is severely diminished. The dust jacket price can be found in the upper right hand corner of the front flap of the dust jacket. The code (if there is one) is found on the bottom of the front flap.
- Binding Information: Binding information is important because not all editions of a book are bound in the same way. A full bound book will be all cloth, without paper boards. Quarter bound indicates a book that has cloth closest to the spine, and then boards. The colors are important, because, again, not all editions are bound with the same colors. Paste-downs are simply the pieces of paper that are pasted down to the inside of the book. The front and rear end papers are those pieces of thicker paper that are at the very beginning and very end of the book.
- Copyright Page Information:
Copyright page information is pretty straight forward. Most follow a numerical code to determine a first edition. The codes vary. If a code is present, all will start with a 1 or 10, except Black House which has the code "2 4 6 8 9 7 5 3". Most codes look like this:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
The easiest indicator is if it clearly says "FIRST EDITION" on the copyright page, and while sometimes they do, that is not always the case.
Dust Jacket Markings to Look For
Binding Information
Copyright Page Information
The Early Years: 1974-1984
Let's start at the beginning. I will go book-by-book, and give you all the information you need. Terms are defined on the right of the text.
Carrie:Published in May 1974 by Doubleday. First edition run of 30,000 copies. 181 pages. Trim size is 5.75 x 8.5 x 0.9". Dust Jacket price is $5.95. The book is full bound in maroon cloth. Paste-downs and front and rear paper color in black. "First Edition" is printed on copyright page and "P6" is printed on inner margin of page 199. Current value: $1,000-1,800
'Salem's Lot:Published in Oct. 1975 by Doubleday. First edition run of 20,000 copies. 439 pages. Trim size is 5.75 x 8.5 x 1.25". Dust jacket price is $7.95/$8.95 (depending on state). The book is quarter bound in black cloth with red boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end paper in white. "First Edition" is printed on copyright page, "Q37" is printed on page 439. There are three dust jacket states to look for. 1) $8.95 on dust jacket, "Father Cody" error, instead of "Father Callahan". (this is very rare!) Current Value: varies 2) price clipped, $7.95, "Father Cody" error again. Current value: $700-900 3) $7.95 on dust jacket, "Father Callahan" correctly referenced. Code on dust jacket reads, "A NEW NOVEL" will have no anchor on spine. Current Value: $200-350
The Shining: Published in Jan. 1977 by Doubleday. First edition run of 25,000 copies. 447 pages. Trim size is 5.75 x 8.5 x 1.5". Dust jacket price is $8.95. The book is quarter bound in black cloth with tan boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end paper in white. "First Edition" is printed on copyright page, and "R49" is printed on page 447. Current Value: $200-300
Rage:Published under name Richard Bachman in Sept. 1977 by Signet. First edition run of 75,000 paperback copies. 211 pages. Trim size is 4.2 x 7.0 x 0.7". It was published as a paperback, so no dust jacket or binding information. Price listed as $1.50. "First Signet Printing, September, 1977" on Copyright page. code, "1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9" on copyright page. Current Value: $200-400
Night Shift: Published in 1978 by Doubleday. First edition run of approx. 12,000 copies. 336 pages. Trim size is 5.75 x 8.5 x 1". Dust jacket price is $8.95. The book is quarter bound in black cloth with red boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end paper in white. "First Edition" is printed on copyright page, and "S52" is printed on page 336. Current Value: $550-750
The Stand: Published in 1978 by Doubleday. First edition run of 70,000 copies. 823 pages. Trim size is 5.75 x 8.5 x 1.9". Dust jacket price is $12.95. The book is quarter bound in black cloth with gold boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end paper in white. "First Edition" is printed on copyright page, and "T39" is printed on page 823. Current Value: $450-550
The Long Walk:Published under the name Richard Bachman in July 1979 by Signet. 244 pages. Trim size is 4.2 x 7 x 0.75". It was published as a paperback, so no dust jacket or binding information. Price is listed as $1.95. "First Signet Printing, July, 1979" printed on copyright page, and code "1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9" is also printed on copyright page. Current Value: $60-80
The Dead Zone: Published in 1979 by Viking. First edition run of 50,000 copies. 428 pages. Trim size is 6.25 x 9.5 x 1.45". Dust jacket price is $11.95 and code on dust jacket is "0879". The book is quarter bound in black cloth with black boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end paper in white. "First Published in 1979 by the Viking Press" is printed on copyright page. Also look for Viking's address (625 Madison Avenue) on both copyright page and dust jacket. Current Value: $40-60
Firestarter: Published in 1980 by Viking (Phantasia Press). First edition run of 100,000 copies. 426 pages. Trim size is 6.25 x 9.5 x 1.6". Dust jacket price is $13.95 and code on dust jacket is "0980". The book is quarter bound in orange cloth with black boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end paper in white. "First published in 1980 by the Viking Press" is printed on copyright page. Also look for Viking's address (625 Madison Avenue) on both copyright page and dust jacket. A limited edition was also published around this time by Phantasia Press. Current Value: $35-50
Cujo: Published in 1981 by Viking (Mysterious Press). First edition run of 150,000 copies. 319 pages. Trim size is 6.25 x 9.5 x 1.2". Dust jacket price is $13.95 and code on dust jacket is "0981". The book is quarter bound in black cloth with tan boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end paper in white. "First Published in 1981 by the Viking Press" is printed on copyright page. Also look for Viking's address (625 Madison Avenue) on both copyright page and dust jacket. Current Value: $150-200
Danse Macabre: Non-fiction published in 1981 by Everest House. First edition run of 60,000 copies. 400 pages. Trim size is 6.25 x 9.5 x 1.25". Dust jacket price is $13.95. The book is quarter bound in maroon cloth with red boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end paper in white. "RRD281" is printed on copyright page. Current Value: $50-60
Roadwork: Published under the name Richard Bachman in 1981 by Signet. 274 pages. Trim size is 4.2 x 7.0 x 0.6". It was published as a paperback, so no dust jacket or binding information. Price listed as $2.25. Code "1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9" printed on copyright page. Current Value: $90-120
The Running Man: Published under the name Richard Bachman in May 1982 by Signet. 219 pages. Trim size is 4.2 x 7.0 x 0.6". It was published as a paperback, so no dust jacket or binding information. Price listed as $2.25. "First Printing May 1982" on copyright page, and code "1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9" also on copyright page. Current Value: $35-50
The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger: Published in 1982 by Donald M. Grant. First edition run of 10,000 copies. 224 pages Trim size is 6.2 x 9.25 x 1.0". Dust jacket price is $20.00, some show 2 prices. The book is full bound in maroon cloth. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers with colored pictorials. "FIRST EDITION" printed on copyright page. Current Value: $700-850. (Some copies of this edition were misbound, increasing value). 2nd printing run of 10,000 copies: has black boards with non-colored pictorials on end papers and only 1 price listed. Current Value: $250-325. Also various special editions (signed & numbered, slipcased). Values for these are in the $6,000-7,500 range.
Different Seasons: Published in 1982 by Viking. First edition run of 200,000 copies. 527 pages. Trim size is 6.25 x 9.5 x 1.6". Dust jacket price is $16.95 and code on dust jacket is "0882". The book is quarter bound in dark blue cloth with blue boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in white. "First Published in 1982 by the Viking Press" printed on copyright page. Also look for Viking address (625 Madison Avenue) on both copyright page and dust jacket. Current Value: $40-60
Christine: Published in 1983 by Viking. First edition run of 270,000 copies. 526 pages. Trim size is 6.25 x 9.5 x 1.6". Dust jacket price is $16.95 and code on dust jacket is "04163083". The book is quarter bound in black cloth with red boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end paper in white. "First Published in 1983 by the Viking Press" is printed on copyright page. Current Value: $20-40
Pet Sematary: Published in 1983 by Doubleday. First edition run of 250,000 copies. 416 pages. Trim size is 6.25 x 9.5 x 1.2". Dust jacket price is $15.95 and code on dust jacket is "1183". The book is full bound in black cloth. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in red. "First Edition" printed on copyright page, and "Y38" printed on page 374. Two dust jacket states include; 1) Caretakers listed as 1982 2) Caretakers listed as 1983. Current Value: $25-45
Cycle of the Werewolf: Published in 1983 by Land of Enchantment. Trim size is 8.75 x 11.25 x 0.5". No dust jacket price. The book is full bound in brown leather. Paste-downs and front and rear end paper pictorials. No special copyright notes. Later reprinted in trade paperback by Signet and combined with script for Silver Bullet.
The Talisman: Co-written with Peter Straub and published in 1984 by Viking. 646 pages. Trim size is 6.25 x 9.5 x 1.8". Dust jacket price is $18.95 and code on dust jacket is "11182584". The book is quarter bound in red cloth with black boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end paper in white. "First Published in 1984 by Viking Penguin, Inc." printed on copyright page. Current Value: $20-35
Thinner: Published under the name Richard Bachman in Nov. 1984 by New American Library. First edition run of 50,000 copies. 309 pages. Trim size is 5.8 x 8.75 x 1.2". Dust jacket price is $12.95 and code on dust jacket is "11125084". The book is quarter bound in black cloth with red boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in white. "First Printing, November, 1984" on copyright page, and code "1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9" printed on copyright page. Current Value: $50-75
1985-1995
Still with me? I hope so!! I hope this will be a handy reference guide for Stephen King fans, and collectors alike. Let's keep going.
Skeleton Crew: Published in May 1985 by Putnam. First edition run of 500,000 copies. 512 pages. Trim size is 6.25 x 9.5 x 1.6". Dust jacket price is $18.95 and code on dust jacket is '8506'. The book is quarter bound in black cloth with black boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in brown. Code '1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9' is printed on copyright page. "A limited first edition of this book has been published by Scream Press" on copyright page, but this is incorrect, due to the fact that the limited edition was delayed, and was not released until after the first edition. Current Value: $15-30
The Bachman Books: Published in 1985 by New American Library. Trim size is 6.25 x 9.5". Dust jacket price is $19.95 and code on dust jacket is '10195085'. The book is quarter bound in black cloth with black boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in white. 'First (Omnibus) Printing, October, 1985' on copyright page and code '1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9' printed on copyright page. Current Value: $50-70
The Bachman Books (paperback): Published in 1985 by New American Library. Trim size is 6.25 x 9.5". Published as paperback, so no dust jacket or binding information. Price listed as $19.95. 'First (omnibus) Printing' on copyright page, and code '1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9' printed on copyright page. Current Value: $30-40
IT: Published in 1986 by Viking. First edition run of 800,000 copies. 1,138 pages. Trim size is 6.25 x 9.5 x 2.3". Dust jacket price is $22.95 and code on dust jacket is '09221086'. The book is quarter bound in black cloth with black boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in gray. 'First Published in 1986 by Viking Penguin, Inc.' on copyright page. Current Value: $100-150
Eyes of the Dragon: Published in 1987 by Viking (Philtrum). First edition run of 400,000 copies. 326 pages. Trim size is 6.25 x 9.5 x 0.9". Dust jacket price is $18.95 and code on dust jacket is '02182587'. The book is quarter bound in cream cloth with green boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in green. 'First Published in 1987 by Viking Penguin, Inc.' on copyright page. Dust jacket has a scaled texture to it. First edition my be only edition to feature scaled texture. Current Value: $35-45
Misery: Published in 1987 by Viking. First edition run of 1 million copies. 310 pages. Trim size is 6.25 x 9.5 x 1.1". Dust jacket price is $18.95 and code on dust jacket is '06182587'. The book is quarter bound in black cloth with gray boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in red. 'First published in 1987 by Viking Penguin, Inc.' on copyright page. Current Value: $15-30
The Tommyknockers: Published in 1987 by Putnam. 558 pages. Trim size is 6.25 x 9.5 x 1.6". Dust jacket price is $19.95 and code on dust jacket is '8711'. The book is quarter bound in black cloth with green boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in green. Code '1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10' is printed on copyright page, and "Permissions to come" also printed on copyright page. Two different dust jacket states are; 1) author name in red. 2) author name in gold. Both have the same value. Current Value: $20-40
The Dark Tower II: The Drawing of the Three: Published in 1987 by Donald M. Grant. First edition run of 30,000 copies. 400 pages. Trim size is 6.2 x 9.2 x 2". Dust jacket price is $35.00. The book is full bound in black cloth. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers with pictorials. 'First Edition' is printed on copyright page. Current Value: $55-70. Limited edition run of 850 slipcased copies also released. These were signed and numbered by Stephen King and illustrator, Phil Hale. Current Value: $1,200-1,600
My Pretty Pony: Published in 1988 by Knopf (Whitney Museum). Trim size is 9.25 x 13.6 x 0.6". No dust jacket or binding information. "First Trade edition" printed on copyright page, which is inside the back cover. Current Value: $200-300
The Dark Half: Published in 1989 by Viking. First edition run of 1.5 million copies. Trim size is 6.25 x 9.5 x 1.3". Dust jacket price is $21.95. The book is quarter bound in black cloth with black boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in violet. "First published in 1989 by Viking Penguin, a division of Penguin Books USA Inc" and code "1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2" on copyright page. Current Value: $10-15
Four Past Midnight: Published in 1990 by Viking. First edition run of 1.5 million copies. 763 pages. Trim size is 6.25 x 9.5 x 1.9". Dust jacket price is $22.95 and code on dust jacket is "0990". The book is quarter bound in black cloth with black boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in orange. "First published in 1990 by Viking Penguin" and code "10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1" on copyright page. First dust jacket state has SK in gold on front cover, and second state lacks the gold. Current Value: $25-35
The Stand: Complete and Uncut: Published in 1990 by Doubleday. Trim size is 6.25 x 9.4 x 2.5". Dust jacket price is $24.95. The book is quarter bound in black cloth with black boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in red. "May 1990" and "First Trade Edition" printed on copyright page. Current Value: $30-50
Needful Things: Published in 1991 by Viking. Trim size is 6.25 x 9.5 x 2.0". Dust jacket price is $24.95 and code on dust jacket is "1091". The book is quarter bound in black cloth with gray boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in red. "First published in 1991 by Viking Penguin" and code "1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2" printed on copyright page. Current Value: $10-15
The Dark Tower III: The Wastelands: Published in 1991 by Donald M. Grant. First edition run of 40,000 copies. 512 pages. Trim size is 6.2 x 9.2 x 2". Dust jacket price is $38.00. The book is full bound in red cloth. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers with pictorials. "First Edition" printed on copyright page. Current Value: $40-60. A limited edition of 1,250 slipcased copies were released as well. They were numbered and signed by Stephen King and illustrator Ned Dameron. Current Value: $600-800
Gerald's Game: Published in 1992 by Viking. 331 pages. Trim size is 6.25 x 9.5 x 1.1". Dust jacket price is $23.50. The book is quarter bound in black cloth with black boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in black. "First published in 1992 by Viking Penguin" and code "1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2" on copyright page. Current Value: $5-15
Dolores Claiborne: Published in 1993 by Viking. 305 pages. Trim size is 6.25 x 9.5 x 1.2". Dust jacket price is $23.50 and code on dust jacket is "0193". The book is quarter bound in black cloth with black boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in either white or gold. "First published in 1993 by Viking Penguin" and code "1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2" printed on copyright page. Current Value: $10-15
Nightmares & Dreamscapes: Published in 1993 by Viking. 816 pages. Trim size is 6.25 x 9.5 x 2.25". Dust jacket price is $27.50 and code on dust jacket is "0993". The book is quarter bound in blue cloth with black boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in blue. "First published in 1993 by Viking Penguin" and code "1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2" on copyright page. Current Value: $10-15
Insomnia: Published in 1994 by Viking. Trim size is 6.25 x 9.5 x 2.1". Dust jacket price is $27.95 and code on dust jacket is "1094". The book is quarter bound in light gray cloth with gray boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in gray. "First published in 1994 by Viking Penguin" and the code "1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2" on copyright page. Two simultaneous dust jacket states with red and white reversed were issued. Both have same value. Current Value: $15-30
Rose Madder: Published in 1995 by Viking. 420 pages. Trim size is 6.25 x 9.5 x 1.3". Dust jacket price is $25.95. The book is quarter bound in black cloth with black boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in burnt-orange. "First published in 1995 by Viking Penguin" and code "1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2" on copyright page. Current Value: $10-25. There was a different dust jacket for this book, that got rejected. There are believed to be a handful out there, and these are significantly more valuable than the regular book. They were more likely proofs, that having been rejected, were tossed out, and someone scooped them up.
Umney's Last Case: Published in 1995 by Penguin Group. 88 pages. It was issued as a mass market paperback, so no dust jacket information is available. Current Value: $20-45
Stephen King talks about receiving Lifetime Achievement Award
1996-2006
Covering such a prolific writer requires a lot of time. We are getting close to his more recent works. Thank you for your time and patience with this labor of love. I hope this guide is helpful to you, and if you find any errors (I am only human, after all) please, let me know!
The Green Mile: Published in 1996, over the course of several months. It was published in serial form by Signet. Trim size is 4.25 x 6.9 x 0.4". Book is paperback, so no dust jacket or binding information. Price listed is $2.99 each for parts 1-5, and $3.99 for part 6. "First Printing, month, 1996" on copyright page. ( month= March for part 1 through August for part 6) Code "10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1" also on copyright page. Current Value: $3-5 each. Other states also exist. These include a first hardback edition and a first complete set, as well as others. Values for these range from $15-40.
Desperation: Published in 1996 by Viking. First edition run of 1.75 million copies. 690 pages. Trim size is 6.5 x 9.5 x 2.25". Dust jacket price is $27.95 and code on dust jacket is "0996". The book is quarter bound in tan cloth with light blue boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in red. "First Published by Viking Penguin" and code "10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1" on copyright page. Current Value: $10-15
The Regulators: Published as a "lost" Bachman novel in Oct. 1996 by Dutton. 475 pages. Trim size is 6.5 x 9.5 x 1.6". Dust jacket price is $24.95 and code on dust jacket is "0996". The book is quarter bound in tan cloth with red boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in light blue. "First Trade Printing, October 1996" and code "10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1" on copyright page. Current Value: $15-20
The Dark Tower IV: Wizard and Glass: Published in 1997 by Donald M. Grant. First edition run of 40,000 copies. 787 pages. Dust jacket price is $45. The book is full bound in black cloth. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers feature pictorials. "First Edition" on copyright page. Current Value: $100-150. Limited edition of 1,250 slipcased copies was also issued. They were signed and numbered by Stephen King and illustrator Dave McKean. Current Value: $900-1,100
Six Stories: Published in 1997 by Philtrum. Trim size is 6.0 x 9.0 x 0.9". There is no dust jacket. Only one edition exists. No price listed. This is kind of hard to find, and value varies.
Dark Tower Box Set: A box set of the first three Dark Tower novels was released in 1998, after the release of the fourth Dark Tower book. They had re-designed dust jackets and new pictures. They were released in a run of 11,000 copies. Current Value (individual book from set): $25-40. Current Value of entire set: $120-150
Bag of Bones: Published in 1998 by Scribner. 529 pages. Trim size is 6.5 x 9.5 x 1.6". Dust jacket price is $28.00. The book is quarter bound in white cloth with burnt-orange boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in white. Code "1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2" on copyright page. Current Value: $10-15
The Storm of the Century: Published in 1999 by Pocket Books. Trim size is 6.1 x 9.25 x 1". Book of the Month Club released a hardcover edition. Price listed as $15.00. "First Pocket Books Trade Paperback Printing Feb 1999" on copyright. Code "10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1" also on copyright page. Current Value: $10. Also red leather bound edition released. Current Value: $20-30
The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon: Published in 1999 by Scribner. 224 pages.Trim size is 5.75 x 8.75 x 0.9". Dust jacket price is $16.95. The book is quarter bound in black cloth with gray boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in white. Code "1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2" on copyright page. Current Value: $10-15. Pop-up book also released. Current Value: $20
Hearts in Atlantis: Published in 1999 by Scribner. 528 pages. Trim size is 6.5 x 9.5 x 2.0". Dust jacket price is $28.00. The book is quarter bound in black cloth with blue boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in white. Code "1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2" on copyright page. Current Value: $10-15
The Green Mile (hardcover): Published in 2000 by Scribner. Trim size is 6.1 x 9.25 x 1.1". Dust jacket price is $25.00. Code "1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2" on copyright page. Current Value: $15-25
On Writing: Published in 2000 by Scribner. First edition run of 500,000 copies. 288 pages. Trim size is 5.9 x 8.75 x 1". Dust jacket price is $25.00. The book is quarter bound in black cloth with yellow boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in white. Code "1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2" on copyright page. Current Value: $10-15
Secret Windows: Published in 2000 by Book of the Month Club. Trim size is 5.75 x 8.5 x 1.4". Price listed as $18.75. The book is either bound in black or white. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in white. Book of the Month Club does not specify edition information, but as of now, only one edition has been published. Current Value: $5-10
Dreamcatcher: Published in 2001 by Scribner. 624 pages. Trim size is 6.5 x 9.5 x 2.0". Dust jacket price is $28.00. The book is quarter bound in purple cloths with blue boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in white. Code "1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2" on copyright page. Current Value: $10-15
Black House (with Peter Straub): Published in 2001 by Random House. First edition run of 2 million copies. 625 pages. Trim size is 6.5 x 9.5 x 1.8". Dust jacket price is $28.95. The book is quarter bound in black cloth with black boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in white. "First Trade Edition" and code "2 4 6 8 9 7 5 3" (pay attention to this. Most first editions start with a number 1) on copyright page. Current Value: $10-15
Everything's Eventual: Published in 2002 by Scribner. Trim size is 6.5 x 9.5 x 1.75". Dust jacket price is $28.00. The book is quarter bound in light blue cloth with gray boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in white. Code "1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2" on copyright page. Current Value: $30-45
From a Buick 8: Published in 2002 by Scribner. First edition run of 1.75 million copies. 351 pages. Trim size is 6.3 x 9.5 x 1.3". Dust jacket price is $28.00. The book is quarter bound in blue cloth with gray boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in white. Code "1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2" on copyright page. Current Value: $10-15. I have seen copies for sale for up to $300, and I am unsure why. Maybe it has to do with how unpopular this book was. Various limited editions were published by Cemetery Dance Publications. Values for these vary.
The Dark Tower V: Wolves of the Calla: Published in 2003 By Donald M. Grant (in association with Scribner). First edition run of 660,000 copies. 714 pages. Trim size is 6.4 x 9.2 x 2.0". Dust jacket price is $35.00. The book is full bound in black cloth. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers feature pictorials. "FIRST TRADE EDITION" and code "1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2" on copyright page. Current value: $10-15
The Dark Tower VI: Song of Susannah: Published in 2004 by Donald M. Grant (in association with Scribner). First edition run of 650,000 copies. Trim size is 6.4 x 9.3 x 1.8". Dust jacket price is $30.00. The book is full bound in black cloth. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers feature pictorials. "FIRST TRADE EDITION" and code "1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2" on copyright page. Current Value: $15-20
Faithful (With Stewart O'Nan): Published in 2004 by Scribner. Trim size is 6.3 x 9.2 x 1.2". Dust jacket price is $26.00. Code "1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2" on copyright page. Current Value: $10-15
The Dark Tower VII: The Dark Tower: Published in 2004 by Donald M. Grant (in association with Scribner). First edition run of 700,000 copies. 845 pages. Trim size is 6.4 x 9.0 x 2.3". Dust jacket price is $35.00. The book is full bound in black cloth. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers feature pictorials. "FIRST TRADE EDITION" and code "1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2" on copyright page. Current Value: $10-15
The Colorado Kid: Published in 2005 by Hard Case Crime. First (and only) edition run of 1 million copies. 184 pages. Trim size is 4.2 x 6.8 x 0.6". This was published as a paperback so no dust jacket, or binding information. Price listed as $5.99. Only one edition exists. Current Value: $15-30
Cell: Published in 2006 by Scribner. First edition run of 1.1 million copies. 355 pages. Trim size is 6.4 x 9.5 x 1.3". Dust jacket price is $26.95. The book is quarter bound in black cloth with red boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in white. Code "1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2" on copyright page. Current Value: $10-15
Lisey's Story: Published in 2006 by Scribner. First edition run of 1.25 million copies. 528 pages. Trim size is 6.4 x 9.5 x 1.6". Dust jacket price is $28.00. The book is full bound in glossy pictorials. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in white. Code "1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2" on copyright page. Current Value: $20-30. "Gift Edition" released by Quality Book Club after first edition was released. Slipcased and possibly smaller print run. It is considered a "book club edition" rather than a true limited edition or gift edition. Current Value: $15-20
2007-current
Blaze: Published in June 2007 as a Richard Bachman novel. 304 pages. Dust jacket price is $25.00. "First Scribner hardcover edition June 2007" and code "1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10" on copyright page. Current Value: $10
Duma Key: Published in 2008 by Scribner. First edition run of 1.5 million copies. 611 pages. Trim size is 6.5 x 9.5 x 2.0". Dust jacket price is $28.00. The book is quarter bound in black cloth with dark blue boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in white. Code "1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2" on copyright page. Current Value: $15-20
Just After Sunset: Published in 2008 by Scribner. First edition run of 900,000 copies. 367 pages. Trim size is 6.4 x 9.5 x 1.4". Dust jacket price is $28.00. The book is quarter bound in black cloth with black boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in white. Code "1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2" on copyright page. First edition has black dust jacket with orange lettering. Current Value: $15-20. Scribner released a limited edition run of 25,000 copies, which had an orange dust jacket with black lettering, and included a DVD of the short story "N". Current Value: $35-50. There was also a UK limited edition of 500 copies. These were numbered and slipcased, and included a fascimile letter from Stephen King, as well as the DVD of the short story "N". Current Value: $75-100.
Under The Dome: Published in Nov. 2009 by Scribner. First edition run of 925,000 copies. 1,074 pages. Trim size is 6.4 x 9.5 x 2.5". Dust jacket price is $35.00. The book is quarter bound in dark blue cloth with dark blue boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in white. "First Scribner hardcover edition November 2009" and code "1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2" on copyright page. Current Value: $20-35. (value may be slightly elevated due to popularity of the Under the Dome television series)
Blockade Billy: Published in Apr. 2010 by Cemetery Dance Publications. First edition run of 10,000 copies. 112 pages. Book came with loose baseball card of main character. Current Value: $40-60
Full Dark, No Stars: :Published in 2010 by Scribner. First edition run of 1.2 million copies. 384 pages. Trim size is 6.4 x 9.5 x 1.4". Dust jacket price is $27.99. The book is quarter bound in black cloth with light blue boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in white. Code "1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2" on copyright page. Current Value: $10-15
11/22/63: Published in Nov. 2011 by Scribner. 849 pages. Trim size is 6.4 x 9.5 x 2.1". Dust jacket price is $35.00. The book is quarter bound in black cloth with red boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in white/off-white. Code "1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2" on copyright page. Current Value: $15-20
The Wind Through the Keyhole: A Dark Tower Novel: Published in 2012 by Scribner. 320 pages. Trim size is 6.25 x 9.25 x 1.25".Dust jacket price is $27.00. The book is quarter bound in black cloth with black boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in white. "First Scribner hardcover edition" and code "1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2" on copyright page. Current Value: $15-20
Joyland: Published in 2013 by Hard Case Crime. Trim size is 5 x 8 x 0.75". This was published as a paperback, so no dust jacket price or binding information. Price listed as $19.95 US. Current Value: market price(due to newness of book)
The Dark Man: Published in 2013 by Cemetery Dance Publications. Trim Size is 8.75 x 5.75 x 0.5". Dust jacket price is $25.00. ISBN under dust jacket price. Book is full bound in black cloth. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in white. "First Hardcover Edition" and code "1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2" on copyright page. (copyright 1969 by Stephen King. This was written in 1969, but never published until 2013) Current Value: market price (due to newness of book)
Doctor Sleep: Published in 2013 by Scribner. Trim size is 6.5 x 9.5 x 1.75". Dust jacket price is $30.00. QR code on rear flap of dust jacket. Book is quarter bound in black cloth with red boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in white. "First Scribner hardcover edition September 2013" and code "1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2" on copyright page. Current Value: market price (due to newness of book)
Mr. Mercedes: Published in 2014 by Scribner. Trim size is 6.5 x 9.5 x 1.5". Dust jacket price is $30.00. Book is quarter bound in red cloth with black boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in white. "First Scribner hardcover edition June 2014" and code "1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2" on copyright page. Current Value: market price (due to newness of book)
Revival: Published in 2014 by Scribner. Trim size is 6.5 x 9.5 x 1.5". Dust jacket price is $30.00. Book is quarter bound in black cloth with blue boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in white. "First Scribner hardcover edition November 2014" and code "1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2" on copyright page. Current value: market price (due to newness of book)
Finders Keepers: Published in 2015 by Scribner. Trim size is 6.5 x 9.5 x 1.5". Dust jacket price is $30.00. Book is quarter bound in red cloth with black boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers are white. "First Scribner hardcover edition June 2015" and code "1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2" on copyright page. Current value: market price (due to newness of book)
The Bazaar of Bad Dreams: Published in 2015 by Scribner. Trim size is 6.5 x 9.5 x 1.75". Dust jacket price is $30.00. Book is quarter bound in black cloth with black boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers are white. "First Scribner hardcover edition November 2015" and code "1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2" on copyright page. Current value: market price (due to newness of book)
Book Values
I am not a book appraiser. The values for the books listed are estimates. A book's value fluctuates with the market for such items. Value is also affected by the condition of the book. Condition is everything!!! There are also other factors to consider. Foreign book values differ from US releases. Signed books are obviously more valuable. Please, use this guide as a starting point for determining value. It is not a definitive answer as to the value of your books.
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Questions & Answers
Can you tell me if this book is a first edition? I have the book (The Dark Half) it says first edition, but the picture on the cover is different. Mine has a gravestone maker on it the says GEORGE STARK and underneath it reads not a very nice guy. it also says it was originally released in Great Britan
Foreign editions often have different cover art. The information provided in the article references US first editions, as they are usually released before foreign editions. It might be the first British edition, and foreign editions do usually fetch a higher price if sold to a collector.
Comments
I have a 1977 First Edition (DoubleDay) Stephen King "The Shining" in its original wrapper. Unable to prove legitimacy because I don't want to open the original wrapping. Would like to sell book "as is"
Hi Anna i found a copy ( at the dollar store)wrapped in plastic from a Buick and I noticed there was a UPC under a piece of paper in there so I took the plastic off, put the UPC in and it came up from a book signing in 2002 in Ann Arbor Michigan and the paper that was inside was a poster of the book,its a1st according to the numbers can you tell me if this is true
Thank you!
Books that have or are coming out since this list ended:
End of Watch 2016 978-1-501-12974-2 Scribner
Gwendy's Button Box 2017 978-1-58767-610-9 Cemetery Dance
Sleeping Beauties 2017 978-1-50116-340-1 Scribner
Elevation 2018 978-1-982-10231-9 Scribner
The Outsider 2018 978-1-50118-098-9 Scribner
I have the shining everything matches first Edition except on the back page of 447 I have mp9cc so what do I have
Hi there. I gave two copies of From a Buick 8. They have identical publication pages, both contain the "1" in the series of numbers, have the same number of pages etc except one is black and one is blue and white. The blue and white one does not have a dust jacket and the dust jacket on the black one does not have a price. Can you help me figure out which one I should keep? Thanks!
I have a copy of Different Seasons with a cover price of $19.95. I can't find it on the net anywhere. Anyone know anything about it? Everything else indicates a first edition.
Hi. I have what I think is a first edition second print of The Stand. On page 823 it has T45. It has the dust jacket. Would that be worth anything or does it have to be first edition first print?
I have a copy of it and everything matches in your description except the price says $24.95. Not sure what edition it might be?!?
I am looking for help in an entire collection i bought monthly many years ago. Red cover edition with gold trim and Stephen Kings signature on every book. Where can i find help ??? Joycrwho23@yahoo.com
Hello Anna, First, great last name! Second, I have a box full of old
S. King books that are all book club editions and the Exorcist. Are they worth anything?
I have the first editions of IT and Different Seasons. I was offered $5,500 for both. I turned them down. I really enjoy having first editions even though I didn't know that IT was at the time. I really could have used the money though. I didn't know that IT was the first edition until seeing this so I was shocked they offered me so much money, and still am after seeing their value is only around $200 combined.
Hi Anna, Thank you for all of your information, It's been very helpful in sorting through my MASSIVE collection... I'm stuck though, on my Green Mile hardcover. It's by Scribner, But I have no price on the jacket. There's also no number sequence on the copyright page. The size is correct for a first edition, and the jacket says first hardcover publication... I'm just super confused by this particular book.
I've been collecting Stephen King for a really long time, this one has just thrown me for a loop. do you have any other earmarks I can look for to help me identify this book as either a first edition or a reader? I already have the serialized books for The Green Mile as First Editions... I just like to have my collection complete. lol.
Anyway, Thank you again for any information you can provide, and for all the information you have already provided on this site! Have a great day! Cheers!
My husband bought copies of The Shining and Salem's Lot. He currently has book club editions and those are a lot smaller than these were so he thought they were not book club editions, but we noticed there is no price on the dust jacket. They do not indicate anywhere that they are book club editions. I apologize if you answered this, I saw a similar question but no answer. Could they still be book club, or are they possibly foreign editions. They are in english. Thanks for your help.
I have a first edition "Dolores Claiborne" that is bound incorrectly. The cover is upside down to the text block of the book.
Would that be more collectible/valuable than the "normal" version?
- AUTHOR
You are welcome.
I have a first edition The Shining... book club edition. Can u tell me value?
Thanks so much for your help!
- AUTHOR
If you double check, you don't need the words "First Edition" or the number line for Eyes of the Dragon. I have included that segment in this comment below.
Eyes of the Dragon: Published in 1987 by Viking (Philtrum). First edition run of 400,000 copies. 326 pages. Trim size is 6.25 x 9.5 x 0.9". Dust jacket price is $18.95 and code on dust jacket is '02182587'. The book is quarter bound in cream cloth with green boards. Paste-downs and front and rear end papers in green. 'First Published in 1987 by Viking Penguin, Inc.' on copyright page. Dust jacket has a scaled texture to it. First edition my be only edition to feature scaled texture. Current Value: $35-45
- AUTHOR
Your's is probably a first edition. Sometimes the page count is off because they will count the end papers, as well.
This article has been so very helpful. Thanks for all the love you have put into it! I still have an issue to resolve and I really hope you can help. I have The Eyes of the Dragon, it has a textured dj. the cover boards are he correct color, the end papers, are white. All the publishing dates, and the amount of pages match up. The measurement of the book is correct. It is missing the words First Edition, and a Number Line. In the margin of Page 326 is typed "MP2S". So, do you have any idea what I have, there is nothing that says it is a Club Edition, or a First Edition, but it does have the First Edition DJ.
Thanks in advance for any help!
My copy of Gerald's Game matches everything in your description except that it has 332 pages instead of 331. Is this a mistake in your description or is mine not a first edition?
Thank you for your help!
- AUTHOR
With the older books, like these two, it's harder to tell without actually seeing them. If they have the dust jackets, search every corner of the dust jacket for a indication. Do they just have no price listed, or was that part clipped out? Some people, if giving those books as gifts, would clip the price out.
- AUTHOR
Foreign editions are a different matter. In his early career, foreign editions would have come later, and are not true first editions, they are first Canadian edition or what have you. Having said that, there is a market for foreign editions, especially those in other languages.
- AUTHOR
Jan-- I checked my copies of both books in question, and mine are the same. Dreamcatcher has 620 numbered pages, followed by the permissions page and a few blank pages. With HIA, I have 523 numbered pages, with a few blank pages following. The page count is just the number of pages in the book, not the number of numbered pages. As far as your first edition question, that is a bit more complicated. Publishers started using it around the middle of the last century. I have noticed that it wasn't fully adopted until much later. Having said that, if the numerical line (also known as a printer's key), starts with either a 1 or a 10, it is a first edition (depending on the number sequence, 10 9 8... or 1 3 5... or 1 2 3...)
- AUTHOR
Trim size isn't super exact. I include the trim size mostly because other editions (like book club editions) tend to be far different in size. The difference of a tiny bit, say 6.56" instead of 6.5" isn't significant.
- AUTHOR
Sadly, I don't. My best advice is to find a reputable book dealer. Otherwise, check out veryfinebooks.com They deal in first editions, and even have an entire section devoted to Stephen King. If they can't work with you, they may know someone that can.
- AUTHOR
I am not really sure. Having said that, without the dust jacket, that will drastically affect the value.
Thank you for the detailed listings, it is very helpful. I have two books, 'Salem's Lot and the Shining. Neither have prices in them or a copyright "run". They don't say they are book club editions, which would have been my guess. Can you tell me what I have? I apologize if you have already answered this, I read through some of the questions and didn't see this one. Thanks in advance.
I have been a Stephen Kings fan since he published Carrie. I am in Canada and bought all of his Hardcovers the moment the came out in Book Stores. Almost all of the hard covers say first edition on copyright page but the important criteria is missing. The clipped corners or pricing on Jacket Covers and hidden page codes showing they are true 1st Editions. The cover art is what it is suppose to be in the first editions as well. I suspect a different printing was done for Canada. I have no Idea how to value them. I read the paperbacks and kept the hardcovers pages unturned. Please advise.
This is a lot of information to go through but it is wonderful to have. I have a couple of questions if you don't mind.
I heard that anything this side of 1980 that had the number sequence starting with 1 was a first edition. Is that true?
I have 2 books in question that I know aren't worth much but would be nice to know for my collection sake. Dreamcatcher meets all of the criteria that you have laid out except the last numbered page is 620. There are 4 unnumbered pages before the final page and if you count those, it would be 624. Seems a silly thing, but do you know if that is the case? I have the same thing with Hearts in Atlantis. There are 523 numbered pages with 5 unnumbered pages making the total pages 528. With HIA, the size doesn't match. I know you have said that may mean it is a book club edition but the Book Cover Price is there and correct and the book is not significantly smaller. It measures 6.3 x 9.5 x 1.6. Both books have the 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2 number lines.
Thanks for your help.
I have several SK books that meet the criteria you described with the exception of the trim size. How specific is the trim size? For example: Dreamcatcher is not quite 6.5" across but has the 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2 on the CP and Christine is not quite 1.6" thick but has the "First Published in 1983 by the Viking Press" on the CP and is quarter bound with black cloth and red boards.
Thank you for your help.
Hello Anna Marie
I am trying to sell several Stephen King books for my aunt en uncle, their Son died last year.
There are about 70 american books, Some are first editions.
I am living in the Netherlands.
Do you know anyone nearby the Netherlands who would be interested?
Thank you
I just picked up a 1st edition The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger for 5 bucks at a flea market. My question is that I know that it is a 1st edition because it says so. Book has no dust cover but is in excellent condition, my question is that it also states trade and deluxe edition with ISBN numbers, is it trade and deluxe editions also...just wondering.
- AUTHOR
I tend to exclude limited editions, as the normal first edition that is released around the same time is still considered a first edition. Limited editions are something different in my opinion, though they are still first editions.
(Edit) Hi Anna, firstly thank you for providing such an invaluable resource, it's greatly appreciated.
You have listed that the Wind Through the Keyhole Scribner edition as being the first edition however the Scribner edition was published on 24th April 2012 while the limited edition produced by Grant was published in February of that year. At least that's always been my understanding. Wikipedia concurs but then that doesn't mean a whole lot!
Can you confirm this?
PS Just checked my Grant edition and it does have First Edition on the publication info page. Hope this helps.
(sorry if you get this comment twice I hadn't checked my copy the first time, guess this comment is a second edition) X
Hi Anna, firstly thank you for providing such an invaluable resource, it's greatly appreciated.
You have listed that the Wind Through the Keyhole Scribner edition as being the first edition however the Scribner edition was published on 24th April 2012 while the limited edition produced by Grant was published in February of that year. At least that's always been my understanding. Wikipedia concurs but then that doesn't mean a whole lot!
Can you confirm this?
- AUTHOR
It's hard to say. This difference in color may be due to any number of things, like where each book was kept, it could be a dying error, or any number of things.
I have two 1st Editions of "The Dark Half". The author's name on the spine is different colors though; one orange and one yellow. It doesn't appear to be due to fading. Any insight?
- AUTHOR
David, let me double check my references, and I will change it. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.
There is a slight error above. For RAGE, the first edition says "First Printing, September, 1977." It does not say "First Signet Printing". Minor difference, but important.
- AUTHOR
Limited editions, often published by Cemetery Dance, and sometimes Grant, would have slipcases. They were part of the first editions, but not really.
Recently I have seen some of the "The Gunslinger - Dark Tower" series that was first handled by Grants Press, with Slipcases. When I Purchased my set from Grant I don't believe they had slipcases for the books. Can you tell me which is correct. Thanks
- AUTHOR
Older books tend not to have that. It is harder to tell. Look for other characteristics. A big thing to look for when determining if a book is a first edition, or a book club edition is size. Be sure to check for other indicators, as well. ISBN really only tells you the title of the book. It isn't really much of an indicator of what edition it is, unless major changes were made.
Hello. I have a question on some of the Stephen King books i have. A lot of them do not have a print number on the front page. It ONLY has the year it was printed but no other info. One of them has the ISBN and the Catalog number.
How can i tell which edition it is?
- AUTHOR
The price isn't on the front of the dust jacket, though. It would be on the inside of the front flap of the dust jacket.
- AUTHOR
It really depends on the book. Usually, a dust jacket price is included. If yours do not include them, or they are different prices, it might indicate a foreign edition, or a book club edition.
I have several books that meet all of the criteria except that they have a bar code instead of a price. Are they still potentially first editions?
Thank you for your time!
I looked at the comments to about 3 years ago. I have several books that seem to fit all of the criteria except the price on the front of the DJ. Mine have a bar code on the back of the DJ. Does that mean they are not first editions?
- AUTHOR
I am so sorry that I have not responded to you. I had some personal issues that took up a great deal of my time these past few months. It would be hard to verify the status of the books without seeing them. I will email you shortly, so that we can discuss this further. Again, I am sorry for taking so long to respond.
Hello Anna Marie, how can I get in contact with you? Do you have e-mail? I believe I have several first edition Stephen King books. If I could get a verification from you that'd be great. Im also very interested in selling some of them as well. I have a lot of questions so please send me an email. I don't usually put my e-mail up on a public forum but sometimes it has to be done. kristymason04@gmail.com I hope to hear from you soon. Thanks!
Really good information i was thinking of getting his whole collection of books eventually. It would be nice to get a first edition. Thanks for your article.
- AUTHOR
ISBN# is the number assigned to a book, and does not denote a first edition. The collectors editions are more valuable, but it's hard to say. From a Buick 8 was not a well-received book, and seeing that it is still fairly new, it isn't all that valuable.
Hello, I am new here. This is a great site,thanks for all you do. I am a SK collector as well. I was wondering what the extra value may be on books that are sealed? I have the following:
IT 1st ed 1986
Under the Dome Collectors ED (w/cards,etc)
Blockade Billy(w/card)
From a Buick 8 w/poster
Cujo ( I believe is a BC ed no ISBN) all above are 1st as I could ck. isbn # TY so much
- AUTHOR
Dark Visions is a compilation book, with short stories by several authors, including Stephen King, as well as George R. R. Martin (Game of Thrones). The stories by Stephen King in the book are; The Reploids (only published in this compilation), Sneakers (also published in Nightmares & Dreamscapes), and Dedication (also published in Nightmares & Dreamscapes). The Aftermath is as of now, an unpublished work. Good Day Sunshine (also known as Sword in the Darkness) is another unpublished work.
I would really like your help i would like to finish my collection but some books i do not know if its a novel or poems or even his book ie: dark visions the after math .good day sunshine please help me out. Thanks a million.
I am collecting his novels dont matter if first edition or not but is your above list every novel he wrote i am just trying to figure out what books i still need. Thanks for your help.
I just recently finished my collection of books and I wouldn't have been able to do it without all the hard work that you've put into this website. I've been wanting to collect all of his first editions for quite a while now and until I stumbled on your website I was unsure of what to look for. The first story of his that I read was Uncle Otto's Truck in 8th grade way back in the late 80's for a book report and I was hooked from there. Thanks to you I have first editions of all of his books now! I really appreciate all the time you put into this!
- AUTHOR
Noyes-- Without a dust jacket (which would say "Book of the Month Club" or "Book Club Edition", you pretty much have to go by the size of the book. If it is smaller than the size listed above, it is more than likely a Book Club Edition.
Can you describe a 'book club' edition of 'Carrie'? I believe it IS a book club edition, no dust jacket. Though the copyright says 1974, it's maroon, no black inside pages, and H18 printed on page 198/margin. Grazie
- AUTHOR
NicolasKL--Thank you for the information. Identifying a first edition can be difficult, when it doesn't clearly state "First Edition". I have a couple BCE's that I bought really cheap, just so I had them to read. They tend to be smaller in size than the regular editions of the books, so that's a good way to tell them apart. Also, they often say "Book of the Month Club Edition", or "Book Club Edition" right on the dust jacket. I included the Dark Tower box set because they were issued separate from the original first editions. I am not claiming them to be first editions, just providing more information on what else is out there.
Some more comments:
King Fan: Red leather bound books were a book of the month club thing. I even remember seeing advertisements. Can't imagine they'd ever really be worth anything (other than what they're worth as a used book, of course), but they're great readers and look nice on the shelf.
Also, I believe the three book Dark Tower box set you're referring to isn't quite what you're stating it is. Grant had leftover unsold first/first DT3s and they sold them paired with non 1/1 of the first two books along with a slipcase. I believe the DT1 is considered a 1st edition/3rd printing, while the DT2 it came with is considered an entirely new edition (new artwork, etc). The majority of the value of the box set is in the 1st/1st DT3, the rest is just used book market value and a nice slipcover.
Grant also had leftover 1st/1st DT2s for quite a while. IIRC the story is that King only wanted the HCs sold by smaller book stores which is why their print runs were so small, so many copies of 2 and 3 remained unsold for years. By book 4 I think he capitulated and dropped the small local store requirement so the book sold out immediately. So all DT4s basically went immediately into the hands of readers, while many DT2s and 3s weren't sold until after they had already started to attain collectible status. Which is why DT4 is worth more than 2 and 3 despite having a larger print run and being newer.
I bought both 2 and 3 1st/1sts brand new from Grant, well after 4 had come out.
In response to Stephen A and the one or two other people that seem to have similar situations: I'd say virtually 100% of the time if the book you've got doesn't have a price on the DJ that, at best, you've got a FE book with a BCE dust jacket. I've never heard of any ARCs or anything similar that looked like a first edition but without the price. And in many cases you've just got a BCE book in a BCE dust jacket, nothing FE about it. Especially Viking books. The "First published in 1986 blah blah blah" doesn't tell you anything from what I've seen, it doesn't differentiate between BCEs and the FEs because the Viking BCEs all say it too. Later Viking printings also say it (at least my 3rd printing of Christine does, but it also has a number line indicating it's a third printing). At least with IT, the gray end papers are really the best way to tell them apart, my BCE has white end papers. You can also tell the difference in font and in the paper used, but it's not something you could really discern unless you had both right in front of you. DJs are easy, obviously, because BCEs don't have a price. With the case of IT the BCE DJ also doesn't have a ISBN code on the front inside of the DJ while the FE does.
Such as: http://www.ebay.com/itm/It-by-Stephen-King-1986-Ha...
Says it's a FE with a non FE DJ. It's just a BCE, both book and DJ. Nothing FE about it, but certain sites that only mention the "First published" line lead people to make incorrect identifications.
Thanks for all the great work here. You're my "go to" page for assembling my own collection, which is up to 35 first editions with many more to go. I'd be lost without this page.
- AUTHOR
Jeff-- I am not sure. I am guessing it's a later edition. If it were a first edition, it would say "First Edition" on the copyright page, and the code would be R49, not R52.
I have a copy of The Shining. When going to page 447 it has R52 in the bottom left hand corner. I saw in your description of the book that the book is quarter bound in black cloth with tan boards. My copy is completely black, with Gold lettering on the spine. Question is, why is mine like this?
- AUTHOR
Greg--That is quite a collection!! I hope you find something good in there!!
My wife has a box full of his books but don't know what they are worth she has 40 or so probably
- AUTHOR
Andrew-- My guess is you have a later edition. Is Half Price Books a store that sells used books? If not, it is not likely that it's a first edition.
I just bought a hardback copy of Eyes of the Dragon at Half Price Books. It has the scale-textured dust jacket, but I can't find the jacket code or price, and the paste-down is white. Any ideas what I've got here?
- AUTHOR
Stephen--Contacting the publisher might be a good idea. The only thing I can think of is that it was a first edition that was never set for sale, as in a publisher copy, or something of that nature. I hope they are able to give you an answer.
I have an edition with and one without the price. Yes, everything else is the same except for the price tag. I gave you an example with Needful Things but I also have a copy of "The Eyes of the Dragon" (with the jacket code and textured surface) that has no price. As I said it is very odd. I have a few friends that have looked into it as well and have been unable to find an answer. At this point it is more of a puzzle - I plan on contacting the publisher and see if they might have an insight. If so, I will make sure to share. Thank you for your time!
- AUTHOR
Stephen A-- I am not sure why some would have a price while others would not. I just grabbed my copy of Needful Things off my shelf, and it has the price on the dust jacket. It is right on the inside flap, on the top. Everything else is the same?
Ms. Bowman,
First of all, thank you for compiling this information - I have used it on several occasions to confirm some great finds in second-hand bookstores. I am a Stephen King collector and have 1st/1st of all books you have listed and some which you have not (e.g. Secretary of Dreams 1/2). I do have several books, that have all 1st/1st markings, such as jacket code, correct boards, binding and paste-downs, etc. but no price. One example is "Needful Things". I also have the same exact book with the price on the jacket. I have spent countless hours comparing the two and at this point cannot identify any other differences. Do you happen to know the reason for this and if the books without price can be considered a 1st/1st? Thank you again for your time and dedication!
- AUTHOR
Hunter--Then I would think it would be the fourth printing. Though, if it is a limited edition, that would not make sense.
my copy of skeleton crew has the limited first edition by scream/press but not the first 3 numbers it just says 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
- AUTHOR
That is a photo that was used by Stephen King, and the publisher as Richard Bachman's photo. It is actually a photo of a man named Richard Manuel. He was the insurance agent for Stephen King's literary agent, Kirby McCauley. They needed the photo of someone who was around the age Bachman was supposed to be, someone they could trust not to reveal the truth, and someone who wasn't directly linked to King, himself. Of course, this was the book in which it was found out that King and Bachman were one and the same, so I guess it was all for nothing.
Hello I have a question regarding the book "Thinner" I have a copy where the dusk jacket has an image of a man claiming to be Richard Bachman. Obviously not Stephen King. I've never read anything about this picture so I'm just curious. It's a New American Library edition, 1984 but no other matching info to what you have listed.
- AUTHOR
lesliebyars--Thank you so much!! I know I need to update it. I have been so busy taking care of my baby, it has been hard to get that sort of thing done. Thank you for sharing this!!
I have over 30 King books and he is awesome. Your hub was very insightful, voted up and tweeted my friend.
- AUTHOR
I will have to double check, but you might be right. It can sometimes be hard to tell.
Danse Macabre on cp could the code be "RRD28I"? Using a capital instead a 1. Thanks
- AUTHOR
Steve-- I am only focusing on the first edition printed. Not every different edition that was printed after that. Yes, they did release a hard-cover edition after the original serial edition. It does not make it a true first edition, because the content is still the same. I included both versions of The Stand, because the unabridged edition was different than the original edition printed. I do need to update the info, though, because "Wind Through The Keyhole" was released recently, and I haven't gotten around to including that info. I have been rather busy, as I just had a baby. Please be patient with me.
You need to update your info.. The Green Mile IS available in hardcover. I have a 1st edition, 1st printing Ina hardcover. After the series was published in paperback they released a hard cover version.
- AUTHOR
It's hard to say. Book of the Month Club editions aren't worth much. And, of course, it all depends on condition.
Omg! I was pregnant in 1982 while reading Pet Cemetary. I woke up repeatedly with nightmares within nightmares and tears over Gage with his "milk white baby teeth", in my head. I would buy Stephens books as soon as they came out so probably Donated several first editions. I bought the red bound faux leather Book of the month club editions, until they discontinued publishing the set. Wish I'd kept the letter with my set. Alas.......Any idea on value of this small library of Stephen's? I love your site!
Hello, I have a question about Rose Madder. You mention burnt orange paper? My book seems to be a first edition but the pages are white. Everything else is correct. Also, removing the dust jacket, there is a red rose on the cover.
- AUTHOR
E 20-- I am not sure on that one...let me look into it, and see what I find. You might be right...
I'm pretty sure I have a 1st edition The long walk, but the copyright page says First printing,July 1979 123456789. Not first Signet printing July 1979. It is a Signet paperback book though. The price is $1.95 not $2.25 and has a number on the top right hand corner under the publishers logo "Signet 451 J8754 $1.95" I this becoming more confusing or what.
- AUTHOR
Steve--Look again...The Green Mile (hardcover): Published in 2000 by Scribner. Trim size is 6.1 x 9.25 x 1.1". Dust jacket price is $25.00. Code "1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2" on copyright page. It's there...
I found a copy of The Shining today in rather good condition and was told it was a first edition. It is the proper height and everything for a first edition. Black with gold lettering, Doubleday 1977 it does not have a dust jacket unfortunately. However the page code is R52. Is this a book club edition? If so any idea on value?
Thanks!
- AUTHOR
Greg-- Book Club editions tend to be smaller than the original editions. I have a few Book Club Editions, myself. They will also usually say "Book Club Edition" on the front, inside flap of the dust jacket.
partspatti-- It was a lot of homework!! And I thought I was done with that after I finished school! I don't really know for sure about the value of that book. Since those are still fairly rare, even though it isn't a first edition, they should be worth quite a bit. Sorry to hear about the bookstore closing. My favorite used bookstore closed recently, as well. I did look, and there seems to be several other bookstores in the area. They might be able to get you in touch with someone who can put a value on your book for you. If I had to guess, and it would just be a guess, I would say that considering the market, and having not seen the condition it's in (which is most of what effects the value) I would say it might be worth anywhere between $100-400. I know that isn't much help.
Very very good article. You've REALLY done your homework. I have a 2nd edition of a hardback "The Dark Tower-The Gunslinger" and I was wondering if you have any idea of the value of it. Many years ago Bettes Bookstore in Bangor valued it at $350.; but they seem to be out of business now. Do you know off hand?...I was disappointed to read here that the book club editions aren't really worth much. That's what most of mine are. I'll start looking at yard sales. Thanks for the clues.
We have two copies of Different Seasons. Both books are exactly the same. The dust jackets have the correct code number and the copyright page says "First Published in 1982 by the Viking Press". However, there is no price on either dust jacket. Articles I have seen suggest that these are book club books but how can you tell for sure? They are not quarter cloth bound.
- AUTHOR
Diana-- For signed books, and even some of your Stephen King books, you may want to check out veryfinebooks.com. They run a great site that sells rare books and a lot of autographed books by popular authors. You may want to check them out.
Anna..I've been investigating ebay and it looks like a good place to start, thanks for that. I also have quite a few signed books too (not SK unfortunately his still eludes me, waa) But Peter Straub (Black House, In The Night Room), Matheson, Ketchum etc.
Thanks for your advice, I really appreciate it. I turned my sister on to your hub too since she's shared my King addition over the years and owns almost as many as I do. : )
Diana
- AUTHOR
Dave-- That is interesting. I know that not having the dust jacket does diminish the value. As to the error, it is strange that such an error was allowed to make it into circulation. Usually, that sort of error is caught, and the book is destroyed. I can't really say if that would add anything to the value. The condition of the book leads me to believe that it was a well read copy, though the error would make it a little hard to read (I would think).
Diana-- I am sorry to hear about your financial troubles. As to where to take the books, there are several options. You can try to sell them on eBay. Some have had some success with that. Or, you can research a local book dealer or used book store. Sometimes they will buy the books from you, or they will sell them on consignment. I will tell you that the Book Club Editions aren't worth a lot. The older ones will still get you some money, though not the same as if it were a true first edition. Same goes with your copy of Thinner. There is some value, just not a lot. It is hard to find first editions of the older books, so some people will still buy the book club editions, so they have a copy. It is still old, and it still has some value. If you do find someone to sell your books to, make sure you do your research, talk with them, get some customer responses in regards to their fairness of price, professionalism, etc.
Hi Anna,
Thank you for this fantastic hub and showing me I have a lot of SK 1st Eds. Been collecting SK and many other books for 30 yrs. I've a question though. You said it's hard to find 'Eyes Of The Dragon' 1st Ed in good condition. Mine is lovely. Also my 'Thinner' is oringinal: Copyright @ 1984 by Richard Bachman on cp, published simultaneously in Canada by New American Library. On the gorgeous cover, THINNER - A Novel by Richard Bachman.
EXCEPT it's a BCE. I'm bummed out. So does that completely destroy the value then?
Thanks so much.
Di
Hi Ms. Bowman I'm so happy to discover your site. When I began buying every book SK wrote since Carrie the minute they came out I never thought about the $ value, only that they were precious to me because I LOVE his writing so much and I never thought I'd ever sell them. HowEVER... thanks to the divorce taking much too long my finances are in the dumper and I find myself having to sell my large eclectic library. sigh.. I'm starting with my SK collection and thanks to your wonderful information I find I have many Stephen KIng 1st Editions. I find also that in the 70's when I was in high school then college and always broke I bought several of his books through book clubs I joined because it's cheaper. So several early ones say BOOK CLUB EDITION which I deduce from your info aren't worth much. Oh well. After college etc and I became successful financially of course I bought his books as they were released so they're 1st's and in beautiful condition. I have a couple of questions I'd like to ask you relating to certain books because I'm not quite sure if i'm interpreting your information correctly. Obvious ones saying FIRST EDITION of course aren't confusing but I'd really appreciate your input for others If you like I could scan and email covers and copyright pgs etc, but I don't want to be a bother. I just need your advice Also I'd like to know where the best place to sell them is Thank you so much Sincerely Diana
Just wondering,
I grabbed a first printing of : Needful things.
Above, I read there's a lot of these floating around. It's in rough shape(has been well enjoyed many times)and is missing the dust jacket. This particular book has a manufacturing error ,wherein; during the binding process a section got folded at the inside corner. This section doubles inward on the upper side and has not been trimmed. Would an error like this affect the value.
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