As a general rule, how much more is a first edition worth than books that have a 2nd or greater addition number? As a collector is it important to you if it is a first edition, or don't you care?

As a collector, it's almost always important that a particular book be a 1st edition, unless you can't find one, and buy the next best for collecting/ informational purposes.

Rarity also comes into play, there are books that many collectors would treasure as a second or third edition.

As far as value difference between first & subsequent editions, speaking solely for myself about 50% .."or more depending on rarity of the book."

Thanks for your thoughts ky coyote hunter.

No problem Nittany, Henpecked & MINK I LOVE are both good knowledgeable T-Man members to bounce this off of as well.

I'll give you a example here...I have all of Craig O'gormans books but the first edition white cover 1974 "High Rolling Fox Trapping" that he co-authored with Loyd Reineke.

Would happily pay up to $150 for that book in good condition, to just complete the O'gorman flush...If I didn't have all his other books and many of the catalogs maybe $75-$100.

1st editions are somewhat like classic cars to the collector, and worthy of a premium price..

What would a 1st edition in mint condition Schoolboy trapper fetch?

First edition in mint condition, around $250 plus shipping, or somewhere close ($270 total) I would think...First edition & mint is hard to find in that book.

I have one, the book looks as if it just came off the press.

That's a jewel of a book to have in that condition...Every so often those kind of books surface due to older trappers selling off their collection, or passing away.

Sometimes wonder how many trappers those old books influence, and how they have circulated amongst trapping circles.

Sounds like yours had minimum owners, or light use.

Everything said above is true.

1st editions are usually the best and most valuable, however some things can change that. Some later editions, have more pictures, illustrations, additional chapters etc.

If it has a dust-jacket that it was originally issued with the value can almost double!

Added signatures by the author or other noted people add value, as does an inscription by author.

As a collector I do prefer 1st editions IF I can find them and IF I can afford the price asked, often I may get buy later edition or a poorer condition 1st ed for my collection and then look to improve on what I have with a better or earlier copy later on and sell or trade the one i am replacing.