American publishers
Identifying Houghton Mifflin first editions
How Houghton Mifflin marked its first printings
Before c. 1970s
Frequently no edition statement. Look for matching title-page and copyright dates and no reprint notices; some books state 'First Printing' or 'First Edition'.
c. 1970s – present
Number lines, sometimes prefixed with printer letter codes (e.g. 'QUM 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1'); the lowest number is the printing.
Reading the number line
Where Houghton Mifflin 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
For much of its history this house did not state first editions at all. The absence of a statement proves nothing; instead, look for later-printing notices, compare the title-page date with the copyright date, and consult a title-specific bibliography.
Common pitfalls
- The US first of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit involve complex printing and binding variants; consult specialist bibliographies.
- Letter codes in front of a number line are printer or binder codes, not printing numbers.
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 Houghton Mifflin book is a first edition?
Houghton Mifflin was inconsistent for much of its history, so date-matching and later-printing notices matter more than statements. Before c. 1970s: Frequently no edition statement. Look for matching title-page and copyright dates and no reprint notices; some books state 'First Printing' or 'First Edition'. c. 1970s – present: Number lines, sometimes prefixed with printer letter codes (e.g. 'QUM 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1'); the lowest number is the printing.
Does a Houghton Mifflin number line start at 1?
Generally yes. When Houghton Mifflin uses a number line, the lowest number shown is usually the printing, so a first printing includes 1.
Does "First Edition" on a Houghton Mifflin copyright page guarantee a first printing?
For much of its history this house did not state first editions at all. The absence of a statement proves nothing; instead, look for later-printing notices, compare the title-page date with the copyright date, and consult a title-specific bibliography.
How can I spot a Houghton Mifflin 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 Houghton Mifflin first editions?
The US first of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit involve complex printing and binding variants; consult specialist bibliographies. Letter codes in front of a number line are printer or binder codes, not printing numbers.
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 Houghton Mifflin book in front of you?