British publishers
Identifying Collins (William Collins) first editions
How Collins (William Collins) marked its first printings
c. 1920s – 1980s
Many Collins books carry little verso text; a copyright line with no reprint notices, matching the title-page date, suggests the first impression. Some state 'First published [year]' or 'First Impression'.
Modern (HarperCollins UK)
Number lines; the lowest number is the impression.
Reading the number line
Where Collins (William Collins) 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
- Crime Club firsts are often identified by jacket and advertisement points as much as by the verso.
Book-club editions
- UK book-club editions usually lack a jacket price.
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 Collins (William Collins) book is a first edition?
Collins, publisher of the Crime Club and Agatha Christie, generally stated first publication and listed reprints. c. 1920s – 1980s: Many Collins books carry little verso text; a copyright line with no reprint notices, matching the title-page date, suggests the first impression. Some state 'First published [year]' or 'First Impression'. Modern (HarperCollins UK): Number lines; the lowest number is the impression.
Does a Collins (William Collins) number line start at 1?
Generally yes. When Collins (William Collins) uses a number line, the lowest number shown is usually the printing, so a first printing includes 1.
Does "First Edition" on a Collins (William Collins) 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.
How can I spot a Collins (William Collins) book-club edition?
UK book-club editions usually lack a jacket price.
What are the common mistakes with Collins (William Collins) first editions?
Crime Club firsts are often identified by jacket and advertisement points as much as by the verso.
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.
Have a Collins (William Collins) book in front of you?