British publishers
Identifying Macmillan first editions
How Macmillan marked its first printings
London, c. 1900s – 1980s
'Copyright' or 'First edition [year]' with any reprints listed beneath; a clean page indicates the first impression.
New York, c. 1930s – 1970s
'First Printing' statement is common on first printings; later printings are usually noted.
Modern
Number lines; the lowest number is the printing.
Reading the number line
Where Macmillan 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
- Gone with the Wind (Macmillan NY, 1936) first printings state 'Published May, 1936' with no further printing notice; many later printings exist.
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 Macmillan book is a first edition?
Macmillan London and the separate Macmillan Company of New York had different practices; check the city. London, c. 1900s – 1980s: 'Copyright' or 'First edition [year]' with any reprints listed beneath; a clean page indicates the first impression. New York, c. 1930s – 1970s: 'First Printing' statement is common on first printings; later printings are usually noted. Modern: Number lines; the lowest number is the printing.
Does a Macmillan number line start at 1?
Generally yes. When Macmillan uses a number line, the lowest number shown is usually the printing, so a first printing includes 1.
Does "First Edition" on a Macmillan 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 Macmillan 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 Macmillan first editions?
Gone with the Wind (Macmillan NY, 1936) first printings state 'Published May, 1936' with no further printing notice; many later printings exist.
Sources of known practice
- Zempel & Verkler, First Editions: A Guide to Identification (compiles publishers' own statements of practice)
- Bill McBride, Points of Issue
Practice varied between imprints and over time; dates given are approximate. This is guidance, not an appraisal.
Have a Macmillan book in front of you?