American publishers
Identifying G. P. Putnam's Sons first editions
How G. P. Putnam's Sons marked its first printings
Before c. 1980s
Usually no statement. First printings are identified by the absence of later-printing notices and by matching dates.
Modern
Number lines; the lowest number is the printing. Some books add 'First Edition'.
Reading the number line
Where G. P. Putnam's Sons 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
- Putnam was heavily used by book clubs; check the jacket price and rear board.
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 G. P. Putnam's Sons book is a first edition?
Putnam rarely stated first editions before the modern era, so the absence of a statement tells you little. Before c. 1980s: Usually no statement. First printings are identified by the absence of later-printing notices and by matching dates. Modern: Number lines; the lowest number is the printing. Some books add 'First Edition'.
Does a G. P. Putnam's Sons number line start at 1?
Generally yes. When G. P. Putnam's Sons uses a number line, the lowest number shown is usually the printing, so a first printing includes 1.
Does "First Edition" on a G. P. Putnam's Sons 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 G. P. Putnam's Sons 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 G. P. Putnam's Sons first editions?
Putnam was heavily used by book clubs; check the jacket price and rear board.
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 G. P. Putnam's Sons book in front of you?