Collector’s Guide — Identifiers & Care
Identify editions and printings of House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski, understand typical “points,” and learn preservation best practices for long-term care.
Identifier checklist (what to record)
Primary bibliographic identifiers
- Title / Author: House of Leaves — Mark Z. Danielewski
- Publisher / Imprint: note the region (e.g., US Pantheon)
- Format: Hardcover or Paperback (trade)
- ISBN-13 / ISBN-10: from copyright page and barcode
- Publication / Printing date: month–year as stated
- Printing line: descending number line (look for “1”)
- Jacket price & barcode: region + currency
- Page count: HC often listed ≈ 736; PB ≈ 709
Always transcribe identifiers exactly as they appear in your copy. Region and printing can change these details.
Edition & feature notes
- Color features: e.g., “house” in blue; other color cues
- Typographic layout: rotated/sparse pages present
- Errata / insert: any slips or corrections included
- Signed? where signed (title page vs bookplate)
- Provenance: prior owner, event, or receipt
- Condition notes: jacket, boards, edges, spine
Edition notes that affect collecting
| Topic | Hardcover | Paperback |
|---|---|---|
| Typical page count | Often listed ≈ 736 | Often listed ≈ 709 |
| Reading handling | Stable on desk for rotated spreads | Lighter; flexible for footnote hops |
| Collector focus | Jacket state, price-clipping, first print line | Spine crease, laminate wear, page tone |
| Actions | Buy hardcover Compare formats | Buy paperback Compare formats |
Values above are typical listings; verify against your specific printing.
First printing & “points” (what to look for)
Copyright page
- Number line that includes 1 usually indicates 1st printing
- “First Edition” statement when present
- Match publisher/imprint to jacket and barcode
Jacket & boards
- Unclipped jacket with original price (region-appropriate)
- ISBN on rear matches book block
- Spine imprint, color treatment, and finish consistent
Printing anomalies
- Color words present and crisp (no low-res reprint look)
- Register and line spacing clean on rotated pages
- No “POD” sheen or off-white photocopy artifacts
Publishers can vary practices by region and year; when in doubt, compare against a known-good copy or a reputable dealer listing with photos.
Condition grading (quick reference)
| Grade | Description | Notes for this title |
|---|---|---|
| Fine / As New | Appears unread; crisp jacket; no marks | HC: sharp corners, no shelf rub. PB: no spine crease. |
| Near Fine | Minimal wear; tiny rubs; clean text | Look for faint edge toning; jacket micro-nicks. |
| Very Good | Light wear; small closed tears; mild toning | PB: single light spine crease acceptable. |
| Good | Noticeable wear; creases; notes or stamps possible | Check for remainder marks, ex-library artifacts. |
| Acceptable | Reading copy; heavy wear; defects present | Confirm completeness; avoid water warping. |
Care & preservation
Storage & environment
- Target 18–22 °C (64–72 °F) and 40–55% RH
- Keep out of direct sunlight; avoid UV exposure
- Shelve upright with like-sized books; don’t overpack
- Use acid-free boards/boxes for long-term storage
Handling & protection
- Mylar (Brodart-style) jacket cover for HC
- Wash/dry hands; avoid lotions before handling
- For rotated spreads, support the hinge; don’t torque spine
- Use a book cradle or stand for long sessions
Dust removal: soft brush away from the spine; for pencil, use a vinyl eraser lightly with a slip sheet; never use solvents.
Buying & authenticity tips
Photos to request
- Front/rear jacket; spine; flap with price
- Copyright page with number line
- Barcode panel showing ISBN
- Close-ups of color words and rotated pages
Red flags
- Low-resolution cover art or off-color printing
- “POD” paper/finish inconsistent with trade printing
- ISBN on block not matching jacket barcode
- Ex-library marks undisclosed
Signed & special
- Prefer in-book signature (not tipped bookplate)
- Ask for signing date/location or COA
- Check ink transfer/indentation (live signature)
Regional notes
Publishers, jacket prices, and ISBNs can vary by region. If a regional storefront opens after a click, switch the region in the shop header and choose your format again.
Collector’s guide — FAQ
How do I confirm a first printing?
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How do I confirm a first printing?
Check the copyright page: most US trade editions use a descending number line; presence of “1” typically signals first printing. Match ISBNs between block and jacket, and confirm the original jacket price for the region.
Do page counts differ across formats?
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Do page counts differ across formats?
They can. This title is often listed around ≈736 pages in hardcover and ≈709 in paperback. Verify against your copy’s copyright page and collation.
Best way to protect the dust jacket?
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Best way to protect the dust jacket?
Use an archival polyester (Mylar/Brodart-style) cover cut to size. Avoid tape on the jacket itself. Store upright away from sunlight and high humidity.
Are digital/print-on-demand versions collectible?
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Are digital/print-on-demand versions collectible?
Collectors typically favor trade publisher printings. Be cautious with unverified PODs; printing quality, paper, and color cues may differ from trade runs.
How should I read without stressing the spine?
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How should I read without stressing the spine?
Use a book cradle or soft support. For rotated pages, turn the book while supporting the hinge; avoid flattening the gutter. Consider a desk copy for heavy annotation.
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