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Printed Page Bookshop

Named one of the top three best bookstores in Denver

First things first

November 30, 2020 By Dan Danbom

There are all kinds of book collections and all kinds of book collectors.  If it gives you joy to collect only books that have been run over by buses, that’s great, or if you don’t care whether a book is good condition or falling apart so long as it is about your favorite subject, that’s great, too.  But as book collecting has evolved, most collectors seek an author’s first editions.  A first edition is more desirable than a later edition, and, going the other way, a manuscript is more valuable than a first edition.

This is where things get complicated.  First, the majority of books are first editions.  They’re not popular enough to be reprinted.  Second, while most valuable books are first editions, most first editions are not valuable. Third, identifying first editions can be frustrating and complicated.  That’s because there is no universal way that publishers identify their first editions.

It’s almost as if, centuries ago, all the publishers got together at a convention and asked, “What can we do to create the most confusion for the most people about first editions?” The delegates decided they would all go their own way when it came to identifying firsts, and, even better, to change the way they do that over the years, or sometimes not to even bother.  Some agreed to print “First Edition” on later editions. One contingent decided to create so-called book club editions, which are generally not collectible (except in instances where they are), and another group had the idea of creating publishing houses that just printed reprints, but identified them as first editions, and those, too, were not collectible (except in instances where they are).  Clear, huh? Other ideas were to create things called points, states and issues to further complicate things. The book publisher delegates passed these amendments, and then they all went to the open bar and got really drunk.  Book collectors now share their hangover.

Filed Under: Book-collecting

Location & Hours

1416 S Broadway
Denver, Colorado 80210

As of May 1, 2021, our hours are:
Monday-Saturday 10:30 am - 5:30 pm
Sunday Noon- 5:00 pm

Custom Directions

Contact

303-777-7653
theshop@printedpagebookshop.com

Yelp
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Andrea G. 6 months ago
This is the bookstore you've been looking for, if you are looking for a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and an ever-changing collection of old and new
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Carol H. 6 months ago
The Printed Page is more than a bookstore. It's a conversation with the wonderful owners, the colorful clientele you may find among the shelves, which are
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Susan P. 7 months ago
A great place to browse an extended range of books. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful. Spotlessly Clean and organized. Shop for yourself or
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Maggie M. 7 months ago
The Printed Page is the place to be for lovely books, a relaxing and cosy environment and friendly staff. All their books are in beautiful condition and
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Brian Hiebert 8 months ago
I sent them a box of books and even though Dan said not to send more, I haven't been paid. What a ripoff!
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Sage Hammer 8 months ago
Needed lots of books for a school project, and they were happy to help me out. Fantastic people and so nice!!!
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Kari Bug-Wiltse 9 months ago
Super friendly staff and so many old classics to look through. Wish I had more time!
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Patrick Barkman 9 months ago
Terrific place. Exactly what you’d imagine a bookstore to be.
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From the blog:

  • The Log of the Printed Page: A Bookseller’s Diary
  • Enjoy the Rocky Mountain Book and Paper Fair — on us
  • The Log of the Printed Page (Chapter 1)

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