British publishers
Identifying William Heinemann first editions
How William Heinemann marked its first printings
c. 1890 – 1980s
'First published [year]' with no reprint notices indicates the first impression.
Modern
Number lines; the lowest number is the impression.
Reading the number line
Where William Heinemann 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
- Heinemann published many US authors in Britain; 'First published in Great Britain' suggests a prior US edition.
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 William Heinemann book is a first edition?
Heinemann generally prints 'First published [year]' and lists reprints. c. 1890 – 1980s: 'First published [year]' with no reprint notices indicates the first impression. Modern: Number lines; the lowest number is the impression.
Does a William Heinemann number line start at 1?
Generally yes. When William Heinemann uses a number line, the lowest number shown is usually the printing, so a first printing includes 1.
Does "First Edition" on a William Heinemann 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 William Heinemann book-club edition?
UK book-club editions usually lack a jacket price.
What are the common mistakes with William Heinemann first editions?
Heinemann published many US authors in Britain; 'First published in Great Britain' suggests a prior US edition.
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 William Heinemann book in front of you?