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-v...eball-player-high-school-yearbooks/

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

I know NOTHING about first edition books, but surely am interested. How do you know WHICH first edition books are valuable? Thanks for any input you may have...Paul

There's a lot to learn in the First Edition arena. For every rule there are exceptions. It could take years to master this category, but the rewards would be substantial. Rare books are out there. Check out what a true first edition of Carrie by Stephen King, or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl can bring. Just like gold coins, those sort of books are out there.

I recommend picking up a copy of Bill Mcbride's Pocket Guide to First Editions. Also Thomas Lee has several books out on 20th century first editions. Last, but by no means least, log into the forums at bookthink.com. There is  a wealth of knowledge and information there.

Good Hunting
 

Ok Bill, wil do, and thanks for filling me in! I will certainly start to educate myself on this subject....Paul

Your good find sent me to the local goodwill, never looked at books before. After a little studing on what to look for (which consists of more then one setting). Found "The Hard Way Home" by Colonel William C. Braly, copyright 1947, first edition with autograph. May not be anything but, out of the things to look for found 1) First Edition and 2) Autograph. May have to work this book thing into my coin and MD hobby. Thanks for all the good info on this thread.  Update, found same book for sale on a military book site for $135.00 without autograph.

Hey, GREAT find there Beans! LOL, so did I go to Good Will to look, found a Harry Potter first ed, but it was pretty water damaged so I didnt bother. Here's a tip, for what it's worth, I downloaded the ebay and amazon app on my iphone, so when I think I found something I look it up right there!

Hey, GREAT find there Beans! LOL, so did I go to Good Will to look, found a Harry Potter first ed, but it was pretty water damaged so I didnt bother. Here's a tip, for what it's worth, I downloaded the ebay and amazon app on my iphone, so when I think I found something I look it up right there!

Had to look up why you would look at Harry Potter, now I know why. To bad it was water damaged. Good idea on the app for the iphone.