"The only reference you'll ever need for collectible compact discs" claims the back cover. Complete nonsense, of course! Whilst containing information about a few (mainly promotional or radio show) items that I haven't seen listed elsewhere, this is ultimately a disappointing read for collectors of the artists on this site. If you're really into American rock 'n' pop then there may be more here for you. By now, I'd have though that a 2nd or even 3rd edition may be out - if so it will hopefully be more comprehensive. This first edition was $15 and the guide is A5 size.

Another US guide, this one has a nice introduction, including the history of CDs, manufacturing techniques, packaging and cleaning tips etc. It is easy to read, nicely laid out, but basically missing lots of information. Catalogue numbers are not given for many items, even though UK and Japanese items are listed alongside the usual US ones. This first edition was $25 and this was in 1993. As the next edition is out, you may be able to pick this one up cheaply. See below for an updated version

One of my favourites this one as a general guide. Nice photos, lots of information - so much better than the first edition (above). If you're buying this mail order be warned - it is heavy! Lovingly put together, there is a professional look and feel to this book. Information is plentiful (although the discographies are not complete [then again whose is?])  - I would actually rate this the best US guide so far. Well worth the $27. Next edition soon please!

Let me first say that there are now more recent editions of this book available - I just don't have them. Nick Hamlyn is one of the most respected writers of price guides of this nature in the UK. Whilst a useful reference in itself, I just don't agree with many of the prices quoted (even at the time the book was published). Some are too high and some are way too low! They don't reflect what a collector would have to pay in the real world if he/she could find the items they are after. I would say, browse this book - look at the prices for the items you know the value of and make up your own mind. £16 approx if you think it's worth it.

Nicks most recent editions seem to pass under the name "The Penguin Price Guide for Record and CD Collectors" and I believe are up to edition 6 or 7.

Again, there must be more recent editions, but this one has disappeared over the years from the bookstores. No prices, but track listings for hundreds of thousands of LPs and CDs. One can only guess at how many hours it took to compile this book! Catalogue numbers are given in most cases. If you know the artist and song, this is the book to tell you where to find the track you are after.

Despite the ridiculous "2008" date (it was published in September 2006) - this is the Bible of record collecting in the UK - there can't be a second hand music store in the country that doesn't have a copy of this guide behind the counter. The prices aren't always spot on (Mariah Carey collectors would be delighted to only have to pay the prices quoted here), but as a printed reference it hasn't yet been bettered. Bizarrely, in the most recent editions though, there are no entries at all for Bryan Adams or The Bangles, which seems like an oversight.

There are also Hardback versions available (at higher cost) of the last few issues and these guides themselves have become collectable. Do be warned though, that only UK releases are featured. Buy it!

Published price is £26.95

(Nine previous versions also available and are shown above)

Undoubtedly the best introductory book I've seen to the addictive world of Record & CD collecting. Record Collector is the top collector's magazine the UK and the quality and enthusiasm translate well to this book. All terms are simply explained, the book is jammed full of photos of various rarities and the text is informative. Experienced collectors will find useful information here too (although, please note,  no discographies / listings). A must at around £15!

The 17th edition of the legendary guide to the British top 75 chart which is usually updated every two years. This year the previously separate top 100 "Hit Albums" guide has been combined into one volume. Every "hit" single or album is listed, together with catalogue numbers and chart positions. Not really a collector's guide then, but a valuable reference - essential for settling those "pub quiz" arguments and determining which other artists have covered songs. £18.99, and worth every penny.

This book is normally published annually, so look out for the lastest edition. (Various previous editions are shown above).

UK Buyers looking to get this should check out their local branch of "Sussex Stationers/ British Bookshops " who invariably have this available with a heavy discount - usually around 40% off.

The second is a song by song guide to every recording done by the band with a startling level of detail. This is a limited edition of 2000 copies and will undoubtedly become collectable itself!