Call of the Wild 4th Printing

[Burly Brute]

Greetings rabble,

Would any of you be able to shed some light onto how much something like this might go for? I found a 4th printing Call of the Wild in a used book store for about 180 USD. Would you guys know?

-Zach

[Woot22]

Just curious is there any reason you want this particular version of the book? Are 4th editions still considered collectible, they may in fact be I was just curious? My opinion would be to buy a new copy and save the money. I myself feel the need to spend a few dollars on books and have purchased a few first editions but would not be able to buy a first edition of this book as I just googled it and was priced at $7000.00. Jack London is one of the best by the way, so great taste in books.

[sydnie7]

Do you know the publishing date? Wikipedia says the book was originally published in 1903, and an Alibris search shows one pub in 1903, "very good" condition, priced just under $190. The sellers don't list it as a first edition so my guess is that is going rate for early (but not first) printings.

[Burly Brute]

Here is my confusion, I found on the internet that "edition" and "printing" are not synonomous? There were first edition, fourth printings selling on different websites. Can someone correct me if wrong?

Anyhow, my mother who I happened to mention it to surprised me and bought it regardless. She got it for 160 because they were having a memorial day sale. The publishing date reads something like "First printing July 1903; reprint July, August, September 1903."

And yes, I love Jack London although my favorite is "To build a fire"

Thanks guys, the input is very much welcomed!

-Z

[Burly Brute]

This is how the book looks minus the described letter.

http://www.abaa.org/details.php?dcx=...31&aid=aa&t=1#


There is however some signature in the book (not London) that is dated "xmas 1903."

So, who knows!?

[ohiopiper]

I'm no bibliophile, but here's my rudimentary understanding:

Printings are runs of books. For example, 5,000 books are printed and then type is reset for another title. Our original book is once again in demand so type is reset again to the original specs and another 5,000 books are printed. You can run on again-off again printing from now 'till doomsday and if nothing changes between the covers, it's all first edition, X printing.

Editions are when something is changed in the format of the book, as simple as a dedication page, introduction not present in the original, etc, all the way up to the text being altered by the author for clarification or correction. An often updated book, such as a textbook of String Theory, may have only one printing per edition, as the material is constantly being updated to reflecxt new discoveries and hypothesis.

[Woot22]

Ohio Piper great explanation thanks for that. Brute, To Build A Fire is the story which made me a huge fan of London as well. Absolutely love that story, great taste in books bro.

[Burly Brute]

Ohio Piper great explanation thanks for that. Brute, To Build A Fire is the story which made me a huge fan of London as well. Absolutely love that story, great taste in books bro.

Tell me about it! I almost froze to death just reading it.


So now the question comes, do any of you guys know how to take care of it and keep it well?

Thanks again!

[Bugbear]

Tell me about it! I almost froze to death just reading it.


So now the question comes, do any of you guys know how to take care of it and keep it well?

Thanks again!

Yes, don't build the fire under a snow packed tree.
Just had to say it.

[Burly Brute]

Yes, don't build the fire under a snow packed tree.
Just had to say it.

Haha noted!

Thanks, Bugbear. Always there with such useful advice!

-BB