New Books - Always buy a first edition

I buy a lot of books - UK fiction mainly, since that's what I'm interested in. Of course, books are everywhere, and most people will just pick up the first copy that they find in their local bookstore. But not all books are equal, and if you have any interest in collecting books, then you should only ever buy a first edition in the best condition that you can find.

For most new books, a perfect first edition (signed if possible) will cost you no more that a later printing if you know what you are looking for and where to look. Your first edition will often hold its value (or even increase in value), while the almost identical later printing with be worth virtually nothing in a year's time. If you are a serious collector, only a true first will do.