What does it mean when the Number Line is backwards?
Normally it starts with 10 and ends with 1. But sometimes it's the other way around, starts with 1 and ends with 10. Does that still mean Full Number Line? Thank you.
What does it mean when the Number Line is backwards?
Normally it starts with 10 and ends with 1. But sometimes it's the other way around, starts with 1 and ends with 10. Does that still mean Full Number Line? Thank you.
Hi,
Number runs are a minefield Have a look here -might help.
Or might confuse even more
http://www.librarything.com/topic/16706
Number lines that start in the middle and alternate out either side are quite common too. I think they just do it to confuse us. A full line in any order *should* mean a first printing of that edition, so if there's nothing else that contradicts it, it's a reasonable assumption to make.
10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 is a 'True' first edition in that it is a first printing of the first print run.
However! If the book sells well there may well be a second print run of the first edition. 1, 3, 5, 7,9,2,4,6,8,10 or something similar.
Generally if the number run contains the figure 1, then it is classed as a first edition.
<I'm positive I'm right! . . . . .I think?>
'Should' being the minefield, Kim
I have a copy of Book and Magazine Collector which states:
"Into the 1990s, many book companies on both sides of the Atlantic started using a numbering system, sometimes coupled with a 'First Edition' statement. If you see a set of numbers on the copyright page (it can be descending: '987654321' or split: '13579108642') the smaller number printed establishes the print run. A number that stated: '98765' would be a fifth printing of that edition. When the publisher runs out of numbers and still wants to print more, they start again with a larger set of numbers (from 20 down to 11) perhaps. Of course publishing comfpanies have an uncanny knack of not always conforming to any given convention - even their own".
Like I said - a minefield!!!!
I think you're wrong. You seem to be saying that a publisher will do the ten print runs of one edition, then reprint again and just turn the number line around? I find that unlikely. They should use the next load of numbers 11 to 20 or whatever. I don't recall ever seeing what you say done, do you have an example?
Of course, nobody's mentioned the 88, 89, 90, 91 thing that some did with the year built-in. That's always good for a laugh too.
As Mostly says, it can be a minefield... but I still think that as a general rule, the simplest interpretation will usually apply and it's reasonable for a non-expert seller to assume full number line with no other contradictions means what it usually means!
Both of the examples are deffo first editions.
If the number run contains the 1 it is a first!
I'm sure a 'proper' bookseller like Bill could confirm this!
Come on Bill! YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Thank you.
You live and learn
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