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How First Editions are Determined

The method of determining whether a book is a "first" is automated. The system will "read" the description of a book listing and if certain words appear it will determine whether it is hard cover or paperback, whether it is a signed edition, and whether it is a first edition.

One of the criteria for determining a first is the word "first"."First" must appear in the description for our system to recognise the copy as such. Unfortunately, there are many "firsts" for a book. For example: the first edition by a certain publisher; a first UK, US, or Cdn edition; a first paperback, etc.

If you know who the publisher is for a "true first" edition, it is usually a good idea to put their name in the publisher field. This will screen out all of the other "firsts".