How can I find out if a book is out of print?

milliejon

I thought I'd have a go at selling some books on Amazon to make some room for more!

I have a hardback copy of Grump and the Hairy Mammoth by Derek Sampson reprinted in 1974. The ISBN brings up two versions of this on Amazon. One looks like the same kind of condition as mine and is being sold for £40. There is a tick under it with "Low Price" underneath. Is this something that the seller will have put on?

I guess this book is rare, but how can I find out for sure?

mah_jong

The low price label goes to who ever has the lowest price!!

how do you know its rare .....well if the only copy there is 40 quid then its pretty rare!!!:D

Just had a look ...the other is nearly 150 quid , looks like you have a wee gold mine, if someone is wanting it.

pennylane99

The "Low Price" column displays a "Low Price" logo where your price is the lowest price listing within the same condition. If there are other lower-priced listings from other sellers it will show what the current lowest price is within that condition.

milliejon

Thanks both - that's useful to know about the "Low Price" logo.

I've been searching for this book on the internet for about two hours now. I can't believe I might have a book worth this much! There are none on Ebay worldwide, and none in the completed listings.

mrbadexample

Try putting the ISBN into Bookbrain, which will search for availability.

Amazombie

milliejon wrote:

Thanks both - that's useful to know about the "Low Price" logo. I've been searching for this book on the internet for about two hours now. I can't believe I might have a book worth this much! There are none on Ebay worldwide, and none in the completed listings.

The paperback is available from 70p.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0416580203/ref=nosim/1557

The hardback price is just a quirk in the Amazon system. One of the American sellers who put ludicrous prices on everything has listed for £ 150 and then a Uk seller with an ex library copy has undercut the crazy price but still over priced when compared to the numerous paperback editions available for much less.

mah_jong

Yes thats true Amerzombie, however it depends on the buyer ..... I have sold hard back copies when cheaper paperback versions were available. And videos when DVDs are listed!

Also when I was trying to buy a book belonging to a series ( on ebay) all the hard backs got good prices, including ex library books ( I suspect that people were wanting to *upgrade* thier colllection!

neilwoods

didnt look too hard, sorry

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Grump-and-the-Hairy-Mammoth_W0QQitemZ170036180899QQihZ007QQcategoryZ378QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Could be paperback

plus you have stated reprinted in 1974 so this will not be a first copy

mah_jong

18 quid for the ebay book .....still a good price in my book!!!

Amazon lists it as being published 1971, however the OP didn't suggest it was a 1st edition, stating it as similar to the one listed on Amazon (ex library).

Amazombie

mah_jong wrote:

18 quid for the ebay book .....still a good price in my book!!!

But it has no bidders and hasnt sold and the seller may simply have set their price based upon the silly prices on Amazon?

smartie1976

You can pretty much search for any book on http://www.abebooks.com/, which will give you a proper idea of what is realistic price wise (by looking at the lowest priced for sale)