First additon book: Is it worth the extra dough?

[beeman458]

I'm looking to pick-up a copy of "Alfred Stieglitz, Photographs and

Writings." Is there any sort of benefit, quality of printing or

otherwise, in picking up a first or second printing of a first

edition or would any printed edition serve the same purpose; provide

a book?

 

I can pick up a new 1999 printed addition for fifty-one bucks (US) or

I can spend seventy-five to a hundred bucks (US) for a used first

edition (checking on the printing as in first or second printing,) of

the same book.

 

Other then the "thrill" of owning a 1st ed over a subsequent

printing, can anybody enlighten me to the benefit, if there is one,

as to first edition Vs subsequent printings.

 

Thanks in advance.

[._._z]

If you call it 'dough,' youse wanna' wanna' saves it.

[beeman458]

Ho-kay Z, ya don't know. Maybe somebody who does know will be so kind as to respond.

 

Not only is the book in question a first addition, but it's also a first printing. If it's worth it, I'll break with the green.

 

Looking forward to a real reply.

[phyrpowr]

A first edition, first printing, if this is accurate, has much greater collector value, and for the difference in money I'd go for it, provided it's complete (some people cut out "the pretty pictures") and in good condition.

[beeman458]

The edition has a small chip in the top edge of the dust cover but the rest of the volume is in excellent condition. It'll probably run me about fifty percent more then the last volume printing in 1999.

 

I'm curious as it's not too much more than a recently printed edition and I thought a 1st edition, 1st printing might make for a nice add to the library.

 

Thanks for the response Jack.

[beeman458]

I won the book at auction, a first edition, first printing volume: $56.00 (US). A new edition would run between $51.00 ~ $75.00 (US). We just have to settle payment over the next couple of days and then it's all up to the postal service.

 

Thanks for the suggestions to help answer my question.

[jeffpolaski]

If you are a colleector and/or if you "invest" in book for resale, possibly.

 

Personally, I'll buy anything that's readable because that's where thereal value is.

[beeman458]

"Personally, I'll buy anything that's readable because that's where thereal value is."

 

Wellllll, at this point, I can only hope it's readable:)

[lee_shively]

If you're a devoted lover of Stieglitz's photography and writings, owning a first edition and first printing would be important in an intangible way. Otherwise, there's probably no benefit except future resale and collector's value. On the other hand, the price difference is negligible between the new current edition and the first edition you've arranged to buy. I would go ahead and get the used first edition. My opinion only.

[beeman458]

"If you're a devoted lover of Stieglitz's photography and writings, owning a first edition and first printing would be important in an intangible way."

 

I'm a bit star stuck if that's what you mean:)

 

I've been getting as much as I can afford on what Stieglitz and Steichen have to say as their "photographic think" is very important to me. Just received a copy of "Stieglitz And The Photo-Secession 1902", "Stieglitz On Photography (His selected essays and notes)" and Alfred Stieglitz "Camera Work" (The Complete Illustrations 1903-1917)"

 

Hope to see more at San Francisco MOMA.

 

Thanks for posting your thoughts on the question.