As a bookseller, I am frequently asked to help folks determine if they have a first edition book or a less valuable reprint. In fact, I get more calls and emails about this question than any other requests for information. Although I have been collecting and selling books for decades, I sometimes have difficulty answering these queries to the satisfaction of the questioner. Ironically, it’s often more difficult to determine if a “modern” book is actually a first than in making that evaluation for antiquarian  titles. So, here’s a very helpful short video on identification of modern firsts from the staff at London’s terrific Peter Harrington Books. If you’re in London, and love books, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Chelsea bookshop.