Stephen King Collecting Questions

[Shannon]

Let's say you're making a list of Stephen King US First Editions, from start to finish ...

Would you include Nightmares In The Sky? What about the Secretary Of Dreams 1 and 2? What about Creepshow? Would you include Dolan's Cadillac (if so, which edition?), New Lieutenant's Rap, The three Plant volumes? Six Stories? Would the editions only available in Signed/Limited versions be considered First Editions? I don't need to technical like "Well, the London Edition wasthe true world first!" Just ... A list of First Editions ... What do you think?

[biomieg]

They are all 1st editions but not all 1st trade editions (which is what most people think of when they talk about '1st editions'). Does that help?

[Jimimck]

The list of 1st edition as per The Collectors website is what I consider to be 1st Editions. But in saying that, I've added 1st Green Mile hardback, Storm of The Century, & Cycle of the Warewolf to the list of 1st trade editions I want...

Probably doesn't really help with your question sorry...

[Ric]

Let's say you're making a list of Stephen King US First Editions, from start to finish ...

Would you include Nightmares In The Sky? What about the Secretary Of Dreams 1 and 2? What about Creepshow? Would you include Dolan's Cadillac (if so, which edition?), New Lieutenant's Rap, The three Plant volumes? Six Stories? Would the editions only available in Signed/Limited versions be considered First Editions? I don't need to technical like "Well, the London Edition wasthe true world first!" Just ... A list of First Editions ... What do you think?

Everything you've listed can be considered a first edition. For some, they were also the only edition. Once you start talking about trades you have to include the print run as well if you wish to have a true first edition/first printing. Some S/L editions preceded the trade edition to market, some didn't. It takes a little research if you're looking for "true" first editions, but if that doesn't matter then I would consider the S/L edition and the trade edition to be separate "first" editions.

[George at C-Springs]

Don't forget Proofs, ARCs, Galleys, etc. All released prior to "First" editions, and can thus be considered true first editions (yes, yes, I know, semantics ... just saying it to throw a wrench into the discussion).

[Ric]

Don't forget Proofs, ARCs, Galleys, etc. All released prior to "First" editions, and can thus be considered true first editions (yes, yes, I know, semantics ... just saying it to throw a wrench into the discussion).

I do not consider those first editions at all. They are pre-release and often are not the same content as exists in the first editions.

[Stockerlone]

And what is with...Stephen King NOT US World first editions?

ES - IT publisher Edition Phantasia - world first and limited
Der Buick - From A Buick publisher Ullstein - world first

[Mr. Rabbit Trick]

And what is with...Stephen King NOT US World first editions?

ES - IT publisher Edition Phantasia - world first and limited
Der Buick - From A Buick publisher Ullstein - world first

They are not in English, so don't count.

[Stockerlone]

And what is with...Stephen King NOT US World first editions?

ES - IT publisher Edition Phantasia - world first and limited
Der Buick - From A Buick publisher Ullstein - world first

They are not in English, so don't count.

[WeDealInLead]

I finally bought some King first editions today and the seller sent an invoice for $28 standard mail for 2 books. FUCK THAT! I should've asked for a quote before bidding and that's my fault but I never would've guessed he'd charge $28. I'm having this sent to someone stateside or at least priority.

[Shannon]

"They are not in English, so don't count."

lol very funny.

[Randall Flagg]

"They are not in English, so don't count."

lol very funny.

The comment wasn't in Deutsch, Arabic, Farsi, Espanol etc.

[frik]

The comment wasn't in Deutsch

Dutch, Jerome...or maybe you mean German??

sk

[Niels]

I think when he meant Dutch he would have said "Nederlands". (Did he know ?!)

[AKC]

Let's say you're making a list of Stephen King US First Editions, from start to finish ...

Would you include Nightmares In The Sky? What about the Secretary Of Dreams 1 and 2? What about Creepshow? Would you include Dolan's Cadillac (if so, which edition?), New Lieutenant's Rap, The three Plant volumes? Six Stories? Would the editions only available in Signed/Limited versions be considered First Editions? I don't need to technical like "Well, the London Edition wasthe true world first!" Just ... A list of First Editions ... What do you think?

Everything you've listed can be considered a first edition. For some, they were also the only edition. Once you start talking about trades you have to include the print run as well if you wish to have a true first edition/first printing. Some S/L editions preceded the trade edition to market, some didn't. It takes a little research if you're looking for "true" first editions, but if that doesn't matter then I would consider the S/L edition and the trade edition to be separate "first" editions.

I'm with Ric. I have the entire collection of King Trade Editions and all of them are 1st EDITION / 1st PRINT (with the exception of 'Salem's). My S/L's are looked at separately and kept on a different shelf! As for ARC's, I've got a few but I consider those a completely different part of my collection as well!

I guess it simply comes down to collector preference on how they chose to form their collection and what's important.....

[olverts]

Just found a "copy of the original typed manuscript that features Mr. King's hand written changes, corrections, and notes to himself"
Is this kind of stuff worthless cause you don´t know how many copies they made or ?
Betts has something similar listed : My Pretty Pony Knopf Whitney 1989 US - Proof photocopy of manuscript - called proof copy Unsigned Fine $750 , is this overpriced ?
Don´t know what to think cause these are "just" copies.

Thanks in advance

[carlosdetweiller]

Just found a "copy of the original typed manuscript that features Mr. King's hand written changes, corrections, and notes to himself"
Is this kind of stuff worthless cause you don´t know how many copies they made or ?
Betts has something similar listed : My Pretty Pony Knopf Whitney 1989 US - Proof photocopy of manuscript - called proof copy Unsigned Fine $750 , is this overpriced ?
Don´t know what to think cause these are "just" copies.

Thanks in advance

I do think the My Pretty Pony "proof photocopy or manuscript" is overpriced at $750. I remember when it was offered on ABE many years ago. I was really into proofs (still am) and inquired about it. Got some photos. IIRC it was just a photocopy of the manuscript and someone had written "proof" at the top. I may be mistaken on this but that is what I think I remember. I also remember being surprised that Chris bought it. Having said that, it is still the only copy of the manuscript that I have seen, so who knows what it is really worth?

Here is a short essay on the present day difficulties and hazards of manuscript collecting. The word processor has really changed things.

http://www.raresf.com/bnews.html#collect

[Rahfa]

Good essay by Levin....other than manuscripts with clear changes from the published draft, or author-handwritten corrections, it seems questionable what manuscripts would be worth collecting.

But, it's not like someone's going to take the time to type and print an entire book....so many would be connected to the book in some way, though not sure how that translates to value or collectability.

I actually have a DT VIII proofreader's copy...and there are errors caught in this draft that do not appear in Grant's published edition...but I'm not sure I'd call it a manuscript, and I would have no idea about value.

[olverts]

Thanks for the info . Interesting reading but i think i pass on this one (it´s bad enough i collect proofs)
Here´s the manuscript copy if anyone is interested : http://www.overlookconnection.com/ca...pt-p-2268.html

[Rahfa]

Thanks for the info . Interesting reading but i think i pass on this one (it´s bad enough i collect proofs)
Here´s the manuscript copy if anyone is interested : http://www.overlookconnection.com/ca...pt-p-2268.html

If the "handwritten corrections" were sort of numerous, it might be interesting reading, even if it is a copy...basically, you'd be paying $125 for some additional information. But, definitley not any sort of investment, and I'm not sure how insightful these comments would even be.

[cgallagh44]

I just picked up a copy of "The Stephen King Story by George Beahm Deluxe Signed Edition" for $80.00 (original eBay asking price was $150.00)...do you think I paid too much for this item?

Link






Thanks for your comments

[Mr. Rabbit Trick]

If you are happy with the price you paid, then its worth that.

[ICry4Oy]

My first dumb collectors question: Is it still a "collection" if you don't have any signed/numbered/too expensive for me books?

[cgallagh44]

I think it is...

[ICry4Oy]

That would be nice. A lot of my older King books are from the old Doubleday book club......hangs head in shame...