How do you define your COMPLETE collection of 1sts?

[stroppygoblin]

Another quick straw poll...

The P & J thread has had some conversations recently about what members need to 'complete' their collection of 1st editions, but 'complete' means different things to different people. What does it mean to you?

[Mr. Rabbit Trick]

As this site is called, The Dark Tower, my complete collection of firsts is:

All Grant "The Dark Tower First Trade Editions".
All UK (Sphere & H&S) "The Dark Tower First Trade Editions".

I also have US and UK "The Dark Tower" Signed/Limited and Artist Editions". But I don't count them.

[biomieg]

I voted "All the Hardbacks, all the softcover releases and all the Omnibus editions", which I interpret as being the 1st/1st trade editions for any given title, not as "every state of every book". This option allows for inclusion of the UK 1st printings of DTI-DTIV, for example. It does not include any mass-market paperbacks other than the Bachman ones.

Note: I consider the unsigned LOE Cycle of the Werewolf hardcover edition and the Gunslinger 1st edition to be trade editions. How do people feel about this? I know a 7,500 or 10,000 copy print run is small, but is it really that much smaller than the print runs of the other early King titles? The main difference with other trade editions is the amount of exposure/publicity generated by the publisher, IMO.

Up for debate: does a complete collection of 1st editions need to include the hardcover editions of The Breathing Method (UK) and Shawshank Redemption (US)?

[stroppygoblin]

I voted "All the Hardbacks, all the softcover releases and all the Omnibus editions", which I interpret as being the 1st/1st trade editions for any given title, not as "every state of every book". This option allows for inclusion of the UK 1st printings of DTI-DTIV, for example. It does not include any mass-market paperbacks other than the Bachman ones.

Note: I consider the unsigned LOE Cycle of the Werewolf hardcover edition and the Gunslinger 1st edition to be trade editions. How do people feel about this? I know a 7,500 or 10,000 copy print run is small, but is it really that much smaller than the print runs of the other early King titles? The main difference with other trade editions is the amount of exposure/publicity generated by the publisher, IMO.

Up for debate: does a complete collection of 1st editions need to include the hardcover editions of The Breathing Method (UK) and Shawshank Redemption (US)?

1. This was my intention
2. This is (I believe) covered by TDT.Org's Catalogue page
3. Personally I would say not - I would consider my 1st's complete without these, but would still happily try to obtain them

[mae]

I'm not a collector per se, so I'm Option 1 all the way. To me my collection is complete when I have every King title in its first US hardcover edition. Only missing Cycle of the Werewolf now.

[Roseannebarr]

all US first editions, first printings whether they were issued in hardback and/or paperback. Ie Bachman books and Colorado Kid and Joyland (i could be mistaken on Colorado kid, but i thought it was issued as a paperback first).

UK, proofs, first appearance, paperback first editions are just the icing on the cake.

S/L or more icing.

[Br!an]

First edition books?

First published edition?

First US edition?

First UK edition?

First trade edition?

First hardback edition?



The first published book is the true first edition regardless of binding, country of origin, limitation, etc..

I collect the true first edition, the US first trade edition, the UK first trade edition if an English author (or first published in UK), the first hardback edition, and if there is no hardback the first Turtleback edition. :coo3l:

[Mr. Rabbit Trick]

First edition books?
First published edition?
First US edition?
First UK edition?
First trade edition?
First hardback edition?

The first published book is the true first edition regardless of binding, country of origin, limitation, etc..

I collect the true first edition, the US first trade edition, the UK first trade edition if an English author (or first published in UK), the first hardback edition, and if there is no hardback the first Turtleback edition. :coo3l:

You forgot something. Some members on here try to claim that some non-English editions were the true 1st published edition. They may have been published first, but are they the "True Firsts?"

Discuss.

[Randall Flagg]

First edition books?
First published edition?
First US edition?
First UK edition?
First trade edition?
First hardback edition?

The first published book is the true first edition regardless of binding, country of origin, limitation, etc..

I collect the true first edition, the US first trade edition, the UK first trade edition if an English author (or first published in UK), the first hardback edition, and if there is no hardback the first Turtleback edition. :coo3l:

You forgot something. Some members on here try to claim that some non-English editions were the true 1st published edition. They may have been published first, but are they the "True Firsts?"

Discuss.
Only if King wrote the original manuscript in the non-English language of the country(ies) where the 1st published book was sold.

[Priest]

All US 1st editions that were printed in Hardback plus US Bachman PB's + Joyland
Or just

All US 1st editions

[jhanic]

All US 1st editions that were printed in Hardback plus US Bachman PB's + Joyland
Or just

All US 1st editions

The Colorado Kid was also first published as a paperback by Hard Case Crime. The Green Mile also was first published as six paperbacks in both the US and the UK.

John

[carlosdetweiller]

The Colorado Kid was also first published as a paperback by Hard Case Crime.


Be careful, John. You might be accused of being a dick if you bring that up.

[Mr. Rabbit Trick]

The Man With a Belly
UR...

oh forget it. I will be here all night.

[The Library Policeman]

The Colorado Kid was also first published as a paperback by Hard Case Crime.


Be careful, John. You might be accused of being a dick if you bring that up.

Haha made me chuckle, Bob.

[WeDealInLead]

First edition books?
First published edition?
First US edition?
First UK edition?
First trade edition?
First hardback edition?

The first published book is the true first edition regardless of binding, country of origin, limitation, etc..

I collect the true first edition, the US first trade edition, the UK first trade edition if an English author (or first published in UK), the first hardback edition, and if there is no hardback the first Turtleback edition. :coo3l:

You forgot something. Some members on here try to claim that some non-English editions were the true 1st published edition. They may have been published first, but are they the "True Firsts?"

Discuss.
Only if King wrote the original manuscript in the non-English language of the country(ies) where the 1st published book was sold.

How so? If a book X that comes out in Moldavia precedes every other edition, than for better or for worse, that is the true first. I only collect US editions so this is a non-issue to me, but wherever the book comes out first is a true first.

[jhanic]

The Colorado Kid was also first published as a paperback by Hard Case Crime.


Be careful, John. You might be accused of being a dick if you bring that up.

I think I can handle that!

John

[needfulthings]

First edition books?
First published edition?
First US edition?
First UK edition?
First trade edition?
First hardback edition?

The first published book is the true first edition regardless of binding, country of origin, limitation, etc..

I collect the true first edition, the US first trade edition, the UK first trade edition if an English author (or first published in UK), the first hardback edition, and if there is no hardback the first Turtleback edition. :coo3l:

You forgot something. Some members on here try to claim that some non-English editions were the true 1st published edition. They may have been published first, but are they the "True Firsts?"

Discuss.
Only if King wrote the original manuscript in the non-English language of the country(ies) where the 1st published book was sold.

How so? If a book X that comes out in Moldavia precedes every other edition, than for better or for worse, that is the true first. I only collect US editions so this is a non-issue to me, but wherever the book comes out first is a true first.
If that statement is TRUE. Then these are the TRUE 1st EDITIONS of IT.
http://imageshack.com/a/img674/2250/lnNKog.jpg
I bought these in Germany July 20 1986.

[Sir_Boomme]

I have two methods...

method 1
If it came out in hardback first... all these in UK and US...
if it came out in paperback first...those plus the hardback 1st release
(this would include the bachman paperbacks plus the bachman hardback collection and any other paperbacks as such)
also... if it came out in a different country before the US first (first world edition) I have to include that edition.

method 2:
all the above... plus the first printings of any short stories in magazine or other format... including omnibuses and stories in collections.

[Sir_Boomme]

I guess, in my mind... I actually have four seperate first edition collections -
US firsts (currently completed)
UK firsts (currently completed)
world first (I believe to be completed)
short story first prints (not complete, but probably 75+% there... need the garbage truck series, the other drum, and some odds and ends)

when talking about 1st editions....I only consider the stories... not interviews , or movie reviews... those are a totally different category.

[Sir_Boomme]

I voted "All the Hardbacks, all the softcover releases and all the Omnibus editions", which I interpret as being the 1st/1st trade editions for any given title, not as "every state of every book". This option allows for inclusion of the UK 1st printings of DTI-DTIV, for example. It does not include any mass-market paperbacks other than the Bachman ones.

Note: I consider the unsigned LOE Cycle of the Werewolf hardcover edition and the Gunslinger 1st edition to be trade editions. How do people feel about this? I know a 7,500 or 10,000 copy print run is small, but is it really that much smaller than the print runs of the other early King titles? The main difference with other trade editions is the amount of exposure/publicity generated by the publisher, IMO.

Up for debate: does a complete collection of 1st editions need to include the hardcover editions of The Breathing Method (UK) and Shawshank Redemption (US)?

don't forget storm of the century paperback and the others mentioned already.

[needfulthings]

I voted "All the Hardbacks, all the softcover releases and all the Omnibus editions", which I interpret as being the 1st/1st trade editions for any given title, not as "every state of every book". This option allows for inclusion of the UK 1st printings of DTI-DTIV, for example. It does not include any mass-market paperbacks other than the Bachman ones.

Note: I consider the unsigned LOE Cycle of the Werewolf hardcover edition and the Gunslinger 1st edition to be trade editions. How do people feel about this? I know a 7,500 or 10,000 copy print run is small, but is it really that much smaller than the print runs of the other early King titles? The main difference with other trade editions is the amount of exposure/publicity generated by the publisher, IMO.

Up for debate: does a complete collection of 1st editions need to include the hardcover editions of The Breathing Method (UK) and Shawshank Redemption (US)?

IMHO The answer is YES.
http://imageshack.com/a/img537/5012/Vu3Ces.jpg

[mae]

I don't consider paperbacks collectible. Not even the Bachmans. Paperbacks are awful books. I collect only hardcovers so for me I only need The Bachman Books, the 2000 edition of The Gree Mile, the BOMC edition of Storm of the Century, and so on.

[biomieg]

Then you're very lucky to be living in the US - here in the Netherlands most books (especially popular fiction) are only released in trade paperback format. If there is a hardcover edition it usually has printed boards instead of a dust jacket. I hate Dutch books. I don't hate paperbacks though - we have shelves full of mass-market US/UK paperbacks at home that are perfect for taking with us when we go camping. Cheap, lightweight, they don't need to stay in collectible condition and most importantly, they contain the stories - and when I'm away from home that's all I care about.

[stroppygoblin]

I voted "All the Hardbacks, all the softcover releases and all the Omnibus editions", which I interpret as being the 1st/1st trade editions for any given title, not as "every state of every book". This option allows for inclusion of the UK 1st printings of DTI-DTIV, for example. It does not include any mass-market paperbacks other than the Bachman ones.

Note: I consider the unsigned LOE Cycle of the Werewolf hardcover edition and the Gunslinger 1st edition to be trade editions. How do people feel about this? I know a 7,500 or 10,000 copy print run is small, but is it really that much smaller than the print runs of the other early King titles? The main difference with other trade editions is the amount of exposure/publicity generated by the publisher, IMO.

Up for debate: does a complete collection of 1st editions need to include the hardcover editions of The Breathing Method (UK) and Shawshank Redemption (US)?

IMHO The answer is YES.
http://imageshack.com/a/img537/5012/Vu3Ces.jpg

so, with regard to these two books... What is preventing these from being added to the Catalog 1st edition page? Is it just a case of no-one has got round to it, or should we agree as a community what is regarded as being a 'first edition' of a book/story? I love the catalog (look I even use the US spelling :) ) and it contains a vast wealth of information for new collectors and visitors (and sometimes a surprise for those who have been collecting for a while..) and I believe it should be the 'defacto' list for any King collector.

I might include these 2 books as not many people are aware of them (The only pictures I have seen are from Bruce), but they are Large print books and that seems to be a different category all together. I wouldn't include 'ES' but I would include it (no pun intended) if we had a separate list of "World 1st editions" however. I also wouldn't include Omnibus editions either (or rather I would include All or None), but thats just me.

How was the original list decided? or did it just grow over time?

[biomieg]

I guess the reason is that they're not true 1st printings of the stories and generally only of interest to completists. They're pretty scarce and most of them ended up in libraries. If you find copies that are not ex-lib they're worth a pretty penny! I bought and sold a perfect copy of The Breathing Method for $300! Haven't seen one for sale ever since. I own a couple of ex-lib copies of Shawshank but haven't seen perfect copies other than those of Bob and Bruce.

For me personally, a reason to put them in the Catalog would be that they are hard-to-find standalone hardcover editions of short stories. I don't think there are any other comparable editions.

[needfulthings]

I don't consider paperbacks collectible. Not even the Bachmans. Paperbacks are awful books. I collect only hardcovers so for me I only need The Bachman Books, the 2000 edition of The Gree Mile, the BOMC edition of Storm of the Century, and so on.

Then why do you use paperback cover art as your avatar?:unsure:
http://imageshack.com/a/img538/7248/TfvzZj.jpghttp://imageshack.com/a/img538/7248/TfvzZj.jpghttp://imageshack.com/a/img538/7248/TfvzZj.jpghttp://imageshack.com/a/img538/7248/TfvzZj.jpg
INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW.

[Randall Flagg]

How was the original list decided? or did it just grow over time?
It grew over time. Obviously the new stuff didn't exist when the Catalog was started 7 years ago.
Primarily the decisions were mine as I created and or supplied verbiage and pics for more than 90% of the US 1st edition articles, as well as most all of the S/L articles.

[The Library Policeman]

How was the original list decided? or did it just grow over time?
It grew over time. Obviously the new stuff didn't exist when the Catalog was started 7 years ago.
Primarily the decisions were mine as I created and or supplied verbiage and pics for more than 90% of the US 1st edition articles, as well as most all of the S/L articles.

And a pretty amazing job you did too, J.

[Merlin1958]

I don't consider paperbacks collectible. Not even the Bachmans. Paperbacks are awful books. I collect only hardcovers so for me I only need The Bachman Books, the 2000 edition of The Gree Mile, the BOMC edition of Storm of the Century, and so on.

A man after my own heart!! I won't collect PB's either. I started my collection with the single goal of collecting all US and UK first editions in HC. I took a brief flyer on "Proofs", but quickly ditched that effort. Presently, I go after US/UK HC editions of all new books and the occasional "Upgrade" to a signed or S/L copy of books I already have. I think I am up to around 40 or so signed/S/L copies with "Revival on the horizon. As an off shoot to my HF activities I developed an affinity for "Remarques" in my 1/1. I lost count of how many of those I have.

[Priest]

The Colorado Kid was also first published as a paperback by Hard Case Crime.


Be careful, John. You might be accused of being a dick if you bring that up.

;D but he is right - first is first

[mae]

I don't consider paperbacks collectible. Not even the Bachmans. Paperbacks are awful books. I collect only hardcovers so for me I only need The Bachman Books, the 2000 edition of The Gree Mile, the BOMC edition of Storm of the Century, and so on.

Then why do you use paperback cover art as your avatar?:unsure:
http://imageshack.com/a/img538/7248/TfvzZj.jpghttp://imageshack.com/a/img538/7248/TfvzZj.jpghttp://imageshack.com/a/img538/7248/TfvzZj.jpghttp://imageshack.com/a/img538/7248/TfvzZj.jpg
INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW.

Because it's a badass image. Would've been my favorite cover had they used it on the first edition hardcover of Night Shift. But I never owned that paperback.

[needfulthings]

[QUOTE=jhanic;880348]
The Colorado Kid was also first published as a paperback by Hard Case Crime.


Be careful, John. You might be accused of being a dick if you bring that up.

;D but he is right - first is first
LIKE THE MAN SAID "FIRST IS FIRST"
http://imageshack.com/a/img538/3818/8bNS5J.jpg
A PAPERBACK BOOK JUST LIKE THIS 1st EDITION.
http://imageshack.com/a/img537/8435/VqHJ3V.jpg
SO IF YOU DON'T COLLECT PAPERBACKS "YOU'R 1st EDITION COLLECTION IS INCOMPLETE!" IMHO

[mae]

I have both of those in hardcover. I'm good.

[needfulthings]

http://imageshack.com/a/img6/1958/6uto.jpg
http://imageshack.com/a/img404/7528/ras6.jpg

[stroppygoblin]

SO IF YOU DON'T COLLECT PAPERBACKS "YOU'R 1st EDITION COLLECTION IS INCOMPLETE!" IMHO

So, I agree with this. My personal definition for a complete collection of first editions is any book written by SK, in any format, that was printed as a trade edition for the first time. This would include paperbacks for UK DT, paperbacks for Bachman and the PB's for COTW, Green Mile, Creepshow and Umney's Last Case, which matches the Catalogue. I would also however include things that aren't in that list such as 'Battleground', 'The Mist', and 'Silver Bullet'. (should these be added?)

Another interesting one for me is omnibus editions. I have the Heinemann Carrie/'salems/Shining/NightShift book because its listed in the catalogue, but I dont have any of the others. (excpet "Stephen King goes to the movies', which I see as a first edition and not an omnibus as it contains extra material)

where does everyone else sit with omnibus editions?

[stroppygoblin]

WOW Bruce! Are the big black volumes screenplays? are they original or did you print them out?

It also looks like you have a couple of BCE's in there too (UK Carrie for sure) why did those make it on the shelves?

[needfulthings]

There is one of every U.S.A. & U.K. 1st edition in my collection (the only ones not seen are U.K. Dance Macabre & Duma Key that have been added after the photo was taken) along with original screenplays (My Pride & Joy is the Signed 1st draft Creepshow)& the only BCE edition you will find are double's of The Cell because of the shoe size on the spine & the Special Book Club Edition of Lisey's Story with slipcase (not shown) & I do own the entire Stephen King Library (also not shown). The small books you see are not BCE the Firestarter & Different Seasons are Taiwanese bootleg editions.

[stroppygoblin]

so what's that UK Carrie? a later printing?

[needfulthings]

You will find that they are the 1st & 2nd editions. I use to collect movie tie-in books.
.http://imageshack.com/a/img674/9751/bQySn2.jpg

[Ari_Racing]

The Cannibals are the 2 parts released by King's office?

[needfulthings]

YES

[Randall Flagg]

If you haven't voted in the poll, please do so. Feel free to comment.

[Roseannebarr]

All 1 st editions 1st printings in first state printing. IE softcover or hardcover. Signed by Stephen King. Currently only missing green mile part 4.

All S/L King books (lettered only if numbered not made)

All first printings of King stories in Magazines. Journals etc

[tippy4]

I too voted All US 1st editions that were printed in Hardback plus US Bachman PB's but add to that The Green Mile Hardback plus paperbacks and The Bachman Books Hardback.

[Patrick]

I’m in no way a 1st edition completist, so I’d follow the Catalogue if I went down that collecting route. Therefore it got my vote.

[Hunchback Jack]

I'm not a completist, but given my U.K. Edition preference, I voted for U.K. 1st hardcovers plus the U.K. Bachman paperbacks. That's what I'd collect if I were trying to complete my 1st edition collection.

Of course, that raises questions about books like The Green Mile and Secret Windows, and any books only published in the US. I guess I would collect the PB 1sts of Green Mile, and get US editions of any books only published in the US.

[amd013]

I too voted All US 1st editions that were printed in Hardback plus US Bachman PB's but add to that The Green Mile Hardback plus paperbacks and The Bachman Books Hardback.

I also voted the same, but in reality, have bought everything that is listed on TDT first edition catalogue page, but I think there are several things on that list that don't belong. (2nd edition of gunslinger, omnibus etc).

I think additional paperbak editions that should be included are : green mile, storm of the century, creepshow, colorado kid, joyland, umneys last case.

Some that I wonder should be included are:

Ghost Brothers of Darkland County (edition that includes the screenplay, lean to yes)
Nightmares in the Sky (lean to no)
Green Mile HC (I consider it a reprint, lean to no)
Charlie the Choo-Choo (I lean to no, since it is a reprint of short section from DT IV)
Salem's Lot Illustrated Edition (lean to no)
Joyland Illustrated Edition (lean to no)
The Gunslinger Revised (lean to yes)
Battleground (really confused on this one, lean to no)

Having said that, I do have all of the above.

[Cook]

I screwed up my answer, I checked choice one instead of four but that's not really right anyway.

My choice would be the follow the flag concept except if the true 1st. is done in another country.
And.. although I personally don't collect small issue pbacks (see exception below) like the bachmans, they should be part of "The complete firsts".
(I do collect just a few of the soft cover proofs)

[Mr. Rabbit Trick]

I define MY list of firsts by:

a. Inscribed by "Steve".
b. Dated on or before publication date.

Makes my collection a bit more rarer than most.

[Merlin1958]

Surprised we haven't heard from, Webstar here. That mofo has something to say about EVERYTHING!! lol lol

[webstar1000]

Surprised we haven't heard from, Webstar here. That mofo has something to say about EVERYTHING!! lol lol

Thanks Bill. I really don’t have any thing to add here. It’s been all covered. Enjoy your day mate!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Merlin1958]

Surprised we haven't heard from, Webstar here. That mofo has something to say about EVERYTHING!! lol lol

Thanks Bill. I really don’t have any thing to add here. It’s been all covered. Enjoy your day mate!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Well folks, there he is the resident authority on everything, Stephen King!!! Thanks for chiming in, mate!!!! You enjoy your day as well, my friend!!! :thumbsup:

[Br!an]

I think the question is too broad and the choices too limited. Of course that stirs up the discussion.

With the broad question of - "How do you define a complete collection of 1st editions?" - the answer would be to collect everything King has had published in it's first published edition regardless of the means of publication.