American publishers
Identifying New Directions first editions
How New Directions marked its first printings
c. 1936 – 1970s
Often no statement; look for later-printing notices and compare colophons and bindings. Some titles state 'First published' or 'First Edition'.
Modern
Number lines appear on some titles; where present, the lowest number is the printing.
Reading the number line
Where New Directions 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
- New Classics and paperbook reprints can closely resemble the first; compare price and series details.
Book-club editions
Book-club editions are less common for this house, but the general tells still apply: no price on the jacket, “Book Club Edition” on the flap, and cheaper boards and paper.
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 New Directions book is a first edition?
New Directions practice is irregular, and many books were reprinted with minimal changes. c. 1936 – 1970s: Often no statement; look for later-printing notices and compare colophons and bindings. Some titles state 'First published' or 'First Edition'. Modern: Number lines appear on some titles; where present, the lowest number is the printing.
Does a New Directions number line start at 1?
Generally yes. When New Directions uses a number line, the lowest number shown is usually the printing, so a first printing includes 1.
Does "First Edition" on a New Directions 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.
What are the common mistakes with New Directions first editions?
New Classics and paperbook reprints can closely resemble the first; compare price and series details.
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 New Directions book in front of you?