Buying First Editions

Greetings Fellow Members.
      I know many of you buy lots of hardcover books as do I on a fairly 
regular basis. However, as an avid collector, I try to find First Editions 
whenever I purchase used, remaindered or new hardcovers because they tend to go up in 
value if you keep them in fairly good condition, meaning the dustjackets are 
intact and free from rips, tears and markings. (Book Club editions are not 
that valuable). Also, it's not that difficult to tell which books are first 
editions. Always check the copyright page. It may say First Edition. Or there may 
be numbers like 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1. Those mean it's a First Editon. (For 
Random House books, it's a first edition even if the 1 is missing from the list) A 
good guide book is "A Pocket Guide to the Identification of First Editions." 
It's $12.95 and can be ordered at www.mcbridepublisher.com. (I have no 
affiliation with this outfit, I just own a copy of the guide myself and have found it 
valuable).
      Just a thought. 
      John Blumenthal
      Author, "What's Wrong With Dorfman?"
      Coming August 2003 from St. Martin's Press