The International Standard Book Number identifies each particular edition of a published book, similar to the UPC (Universal Product Code) found on everything in a grocery store. In theory this worldwide identifier can be used to lookup the registered information about a book.

Every unique book has a unique ISBN

The important thing to know is that an ISBN registers a particular edition of a title, not the title itself. What that means is the the first edition hardcover would have an ISBN, and the second printing paperback would require a new ISBN even though the contents have not changed.

If neither the physical form or contents change on a second printing, it could re-use the same ISBN.

Parts of an ISBN

The 13-digit ISBN starts with "ISBN" and is divided into five parts, with each part having a specific meaning. The parts of an ISBN are as follows and are written separated with hyphens:

1. EAN (European article number) product code: the first three digits
2. group identifier: a single digit that represents the country or language area in which the book is published
3. publisher prefix: a number that identifies a particular publisher
4. title identifier: a number that identifies a particular edition of a work
5. check digit: a single digit that verifies that the previous digits are correct by using an algorithm

Until December 31, 2006, ISBNs were 10 digits. You may use both the 10-digit and 13-digit ISBN on a publication issued during that time.

ISBN and Magic Books

Now you've got all the fun facts for party talk, let's look at the practical reality of ISBN in the magic publishing world.

A small minority of magic books have an ISBN. The code was first instroduced in 1970 and very slowly caught on. But even today many new magic books are published without an ISBN, as it is not required within our niche industry. Magic shops and suppliers generally do not rely on barcode scanners to manager their inventory. Thus, you're most likely to find it on "mass market" magic books, such as the Dover reprint pictured above.

ISBNs are managed by a country's government. In Canada they are provided at no charge to any publisher. In the USA a fee is required for registration. Interestingly, while major magic publishers are skipping it, many indie magic book makers are forced to use them when they go through certain on-demand book printers.

I wish more magic publishers would register and display their ISBN. I can understand the hesitation to place that eyesore barcode on the back of that beautiful book, but it can be tucked inside the back, or even just the number on the copyright page. It becomes a very helpful shorthand for collectors and librarians using digital systems like, oh, this website!