<p>Hi my first thread started in the parents section!</p>
<p>I got a used copy of Foundation’s Edge by Isaac Asimov at a bookstore for $2. At first I thought, wow, great deal, this is an awesome book. Then I opened it and saw it was a first edition and signed by both the author and designer. It’s just missing the dust jacket. So I figure the parents on this board may know a bit more than I do about selling used books/collectibles.</p>
<p>The book is in great condition, and one of my friends has a friend that would like to buy it off me as he is a collector. So my questions:</p>
<p>1) How much is this book worth?
2) How would I get the autograph certified?</p>
<p>Congrats on your find! IMO a rare book business would be your best option for answering both questions. There are many in NYC if you live anywhere close. I did find a couple signed first editions listed on the Web. As these two listing illustrate, the book is worth what someone else will pay for it. Good luck!</p>
<p>The difference between the two links that NewHope posted is that the first is one of those special limited edition printings, and these are often worth less than a regular first edition (go figure). Notice that they are printed in different places, although in the same year. Collectors want a book that is as close as possible to the original way it was issued, hence the greater price on the true first edition (the second link).</p>
<p>So, my first question is: is your copy like the first link, with a leather spine, or is it a regular clothbound book? And what does it say on the title page as far as where it was printed?</p>
<p>When it comes to modern first editions, much of the value lies in the dust jacket. However, dust jackets can have different states, just as first editions can have various printings. In the rare book world, a true first edition is one that is the first <em>printing</em> of the first edition, with a first state (if there is more than one) dust jacket. </p>
<p>First we have to establish what exactly the OP has. If it’s one of the limited editions, they were issued without a dj, but with a slipcase. I’ve just looked this up, and the limited ed. came in both numbered (one of 1,000) and lettered (one of 26) copies, and there is a substantial price difference. Condition also matters a great deal in this field.</p>
<p>@NewHope33
It’s exactly like the first link you posted. Same binding and cover.</p>
<p>@Booklady:
It’s numbered 575. Does how its numbered make a difference? The book also seems to be in fine condition, no stains on the pages etc, but then again I’m no expert. I also don’t have the slipcase.</p>
<p>The actual number makes no difference (unless it’s #1, which is sometimes a special copy). So you have the limited edition, 1/1000, without the slipcase, signed by both Asimov and the designer? Without being able to see it and assess the condition, I’d say it’s worth, at retail, about $200.</p>
<p>If you would like to know more about the world of rare books, and read some great mysteries, check out books by John Dunning. The author is a rare book dealer as well as an author, and I find them fascinating reading. He writes extensively about people who do comb the world for rare books.</p>
<p>Yes, Dunning’s books are fun. On the nonfiction side, any of Nicholas Basbanes’ books are worth reading, and for a guide to rare book collecting, his *Among the Gently Mad<a href=“not%20to%20be%20confused%20with%20his%20%5Bi%5DA%20Gentle%20Madness%5B/i%5D”>/i</a> is very good.</p>
<p>I found a book once in a free pile, and opened it up and found the author’s signature inside!! I was so excited. Got home and realized it was printed, as it was printed on the inside of every copy of the book! oh well…</p>