American publishers
Identifying Grove Press first editions
How Grove Press marked its first printings
c. 1950s – 1980s
'First Edition' or 'First Printing' statement usually indicates the first printing; later printings are generally stated.
Modern (Grove/Atlantic)
Number lines with 'First edition'; lowest number should be 1.
Reading the number line
Where Grove Press 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
- Hardcover and Evergreen paperback issues may share a copyright page; binding and price distinguish them.
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 Grove Press book is a first edition?
Grove often issued simultaneous hardcover and paperback (Evergreen) editions, which complicates 'first edition' questions. c. 1950s – 1980s: 'First Edition' or 'First Printing' statement usually indicates the first printing; later printings are generally stated. Modern (Grove/Atlantic): Number lines with 'First edition'; lowest number should be 1.
Does a Grove Press number line start at 1?
Generally yes. When Grove Press uses a number line, the lowest number shown is usually the printing, so a first printing includes 1.
Does "First Edition" on a Grove Press 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 Grove Press 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 Grove Press first editions?
Hardcover and Evergreen paperback issues may share a copyright page; binding and price distinguish them.
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 Grove Press book in front of you?