Identifying Chatto & Windus first editions

hatto uses the familiar British 'Published by' / 'First published' line with reprints listed beneath. This guide sets out how Chatto & Windus marked its printings over time, how to read its number lines and statements, and where collectors most often go wrong.

How Chatto & Windus marked its first printings

Reading the number line

Where Chatto & Windus 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

• Some older Chatto books carry no date on the verso; compare with the title-page date and publisher's catalogue.

Book-club editions

• UK book-club editions usually lack a jacket price.

Checking a copy in hand

1. Read the entire copyright page, including small type at the foot, for any later-printing notice.
2. Find the number line, if any, and note the lowest number.
3. Compare the copyright date with any title-page date; on a first printing they normally agree.
4. Check the jacket flap for a price and the rear board for a blind-stamp.
5. For valuable titles, confirm title-specific points in a descriptive bibliography.

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Frequently asked questions

Sources of known practice

• Zempel & Verkler, First Editions: A Guide to Identification (compiles publishers' own statements of practice)

Practice varied between imprints and over time; dates given are approximate. This is guidance, not an appraisal.