American publishers
Identifying Farrar, Straus & Giroux first editions
How Farrar, Straus & Giroux marked its first printings
c. 1946 – present
'First edition, [year]' or 'First printing, [year]' indicates the first printing; later printings state 'Second printing' or show a number line with a higher lowest number.
Reading the number line
Where Farrar, Straus & Giroux 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
This house generally printed a first-edition or first-printing statement on the first printing and removed or replaced it on later printings. A copy that lacks the statement, from a period when the house used one, is most likely a later printing.
Common pitfalls
- Paperback reissues under the same imprint may reuse the original copyright text; check the binding and price.
Book-club editions
- A small blind-stamp (dot, circle, square or maple leaf) pressed into the lower corner of the rear board.
- No price on the front jacket flap, often with 'Book Club Edition' printed on the flap.
- Book-club copies are frequently slightly smaller, on thinner paper, with cheaper paper-covered boards.
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 Farrar, Straus & Giroux book is a first edition?
FSG typically marks the first printing with 'First edition, [year]' or 'First printing, [year]'. c. 1946 – present: 'First edition, [year]' or 'First printing, [year]' indicates the first printing; later printings state 'Second printing' or show a number line with a higher lowest number.
Does a Farrar, Straus & Giroux number line start at 1?
Generally yes. When Farrar, Straus & Giroux uses a number line, the lowest number shown is usually the printing, so a first printing includes 1.
Does "First Edition" on a Farrar, Straus & Giroux copyright page guarantee a first printing?
This house generally printed a first-edition or first-printing statement on the first printing and removed or replaced it on later printings. A copy that lacks the statement, from a period when the house used one, is most likely a later printing.
How can I spot a Farrar, Straus & Giroux book-club edition?
A small blind-stamp (dot, circle, square or maple leaf) pressed into the lower corner of the rear board. No price on the front jacket flap, often with 'Book Club Edition' printed on the flap. Book-club copies are frequently slightly smaller, on thinner paper, with cheaper paper-covered boards.
What are the common mistakes with Farrar, Straus & Giroux first editions?
Paperback reissues under the same imprint may reuse the original copyright text; check the binding and price.
Sources of known practice
- Zempel & Verkler, First Editions: A Guide to Identification (compiles publishers' own statements of practice)
- Bill McBride, A Pocket Guide to the Identification of First Editions
Practice varied between imprints and over time; dates given are approximate. This is guidance, not an appraisal.
Have a Farrar, Straus & Giroux book in front of you?