British publishers
Identifying George Allen & Unwin first editions
How George Allen & Unwin marked its first printings
c. 1914 – 1980s
'First published in [year]' with no impression notices indicates the first impression; later impressions add 'Second impression [year]' and so on.
Modern (Australia)
Number lines; the lowest number is the printing.
Reading the number line
Where George Allen & Unwin prints a number line (a row such as 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1), the printer removes the lowest number at each new printing. The lowest number you can see is therefore the printing: a first printing shows 1. Split lines such as 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2 work the same way; look for the 1 anywhere in the row.
What the edition statement means
Like most British houses, this publisher recorded the book's history on the verso: a 'First published in [year]' line, with any later impressions listed underneath ('Second impression', 'Reprinted'). A verso with the first-publication line and nothing beneath it points to the first impression.
Common pitfalls
- The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings have intricate impression and jacket points; consult Hammond's Tolkien bibliography.
Book-club editions
Book-club editions are less common for this house, but the general tells still apply: no price on the jacket, “Book Club Edition” on the flap, and cheaper boards and paper.
Checking a copy in hand
- Read the entire copyright page, including small type at the foot, for any later-printing notice.
- Find the number line, if any, and note the lowest number.
- Compare the copyright date with any title-page date; on a first printing they normally agree.
- Check the jacket flap for a price and the rear board for a blind-stamp.
- For valuable titles, confirm title-specific points in a descriptive bibliography.
Frequently asked questions
How do I tell if a George Allen & Unwin book is a first edition?
Allen & Unwin, Tolkien's publisher, lists impressions on the verso. c. 1914 – 1980s: 'First published in [year]' with no impression notices indicates the first impression; later impressions add 'Second impression [year]' and so on. Modern (Australia): Number lines; the lowest number is the printing.
Does a George Allen & Unwin number line start at 1?
Generally yes. When George Allen & Unwin uses a number line, the lowest number shown is usually the printing, so a first printing includes 1.
Does "First Edition" on a George Allen & Unwin copyright page guarantee a first printing?
Like most British houses, this publisher recorded the book's history on the verso: a 'First published in [year]' line, with any later impressions listed underneath ('Second impression', 'Reprinted'). A verso with the first-publication line and nothing beneath it points to the first impression.
What are the common mistakes with George Allen & Unwin first editions?
The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings have intricate impression and jacket points; consult Hammond's Tolkien bibliography.
Sources of known practice
- Zempel & Verkler, First Editions: A Guide to Identification (compiles publishers' own statements of practice)
- Wayne G. Hammond, J.R.R. Tolkien: A Descriptive Bibliography
Practice varied between imprints and over time; dates given are approximate. This is guidance, not an appraisal.
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