first edition

This term is primarily used in the context of bibliophilia and publishing. It carries a strong connotation of rarity and value, particularly when referring to a first printing, which is the most prized version for collectors. In a professional or academic context, it refers to the initial release of a text before subsequent revisions or updates are made.

Users should distinguish between a first edition and a first printing. While a first edition refers to the first version of the text, a first printing is the very first batch of books produced from that setting. A first edition may have multiple printings, but only the first printing is typically considered the most valuable by collectors.