John Muir 1st ed at Goodwill

Everyone has been talking about their garage sale finds. Since I am away from home I can't break into this posting with the good stuff so I'll pass on some of my past stuff. Awhile back while checking out the local Goodwill I found a 1st edition John Muir book titled "The Cruise of the Corwin". Cost me $1.50 and I sold it on Ebay for $58. I felt I could have done better as the book had never been read (spine unmarked). I think I was the only one to ever open it and that was only three times. Once to find it, once to show the mrs, and once to take pictures for Ebay.

Since everyone here has passed on their advice. Mine is, check the edition number. If it is a first edition it may be worth money.

BTW, thanks for all the advice posted here. While I usually score well on the weekends (even as a newb) I can always learn more and do better.

I also like to look at and on occasion buy old books. There is something 'unique' about holding an old rare first edition book. One can almost feel the history knowing the date of the book and the daily life those folks experienced. I have a hard back book titled American Ideals Character and Life dated 1913. The author is Hamilton Wright Mabie. I'd like to actually read the book someday.

Thanks for posting

never know what you will find at the goodwill  congrats

goodwill is a great place to get deals !

This might be a dumb question but how do you know if its a first edition.

This might be a dumb question but how do you know if its a first edition.

It is usually listed on the copyright page

That was a great find, I have to start checking out those places at least once a week. 

The best way to find out if it is a first edition is on the copyright page, look for only one printing date on it. What identified this book to me was the protective sheet inside the book. You rarely see these sheets anymore as they are no longer used in modern printing and most readers remove them when they tear or wrinkle. This book had an intact and pristine sheet. THe first edition date, the sheet, and the recognizable name led me to feel it was worth the money to buy it.

Excellent call I have one question though, I have seen a number of books at yard sales or goodwill that don't say First Edition, yet they only have one date on the title page Does this mean they are First Edition too Thanks!  Paul

Usually. When they're first printed the publishers have no idea how well they will sell and if they will print more or not.

Nice find. I found a first edition of Johnny Cash's "Man In Black" at a Salvation Army store. It sold on Ebay for I think $48.00 plus shipping to England, which was almost $30.00 is if I remember correctly. I believe books are still a hidden source of value when it comes to thrift stores, they are lagging a little in that department still. Give them time they'll be researching the value on those too.

I found a Wallace Stegner signed book at Goodwill. Also, up at the library I bought two books autographed by Pearl Bailey for 20 cents. Look inside those books to see if they're autographed.

Oh, yeah, check those old yearbooks also as there could be a future celebrity lurking in there from Hollywood, professional sports, politics, etc., making them very valuable. Here are two recent articles which may help your bank account:

http://sportales.com/baseball/ten-valuable-baseball-player-high-school-yearbooks/

http://sportales.com/basketball/ten-valuable-basketball-player-high-school-yearbooks/