British publishers
Identifying Victor Gollancz first editions
How Victor Gollancz marked its first printings
c. 1927 – 1980s
'First published [year]' (or just a copyright date) with no reprint notices generally indicates the first impression.
Modern
Number lines; the lowest number is the impression.
Reading the number line
Where Victor Gollancz 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
- Left Book Club editions (orange limp covers) are distinct from trade editions.
Book-club editions
- Left Book Club and later book-club copies differ in binding and jacket.
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 Victor Gollancz book is a first edition?
Gollancz, known for its yellow jackets and science fiction list, states first publication and lists reprints. c. 1927 – 1980s: 'First published [year]' (or just a copyright date) with no reprint notices generally indicates the first impression. Modern: Number lines; the lowest number is the impression.
Does a Victor Gollancz number line start at 1?
Generally yes. When Victor Gollancz uses a number line, the lowest number shown is usually the printing, so a first printing includes 1.
Does "First Edition" on a Victor Gollancz 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 Victor Gollancz book-club edition?
Left Book Club and later book-club copies differ in binding and jacket.
What are the common mistakes with Victor Gollancz first editions?
Left Book Club editions (orange limp covers) are distinct from trade editions.
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 Victor Gollancz book in front of you?