American publishers
Identifying Random House first editions
How Random House marked its first printings
c. 1927 – 1970s
First printings generally carry a 'First Printing' or 'First Edition' statement on the copyright page; later printings drop it or state the printing.
c. 1970s – c. 2001
'First Edition' plus a number line with 2 as the lowest number indicates a first printing. A line with 2 as lowest but no 'First Edition' statement is normally a second printing.
c. 2002 – present
Number lines generally begin at 1 alongside 'First Edition'. Check the date of the book carefully before applying either rule.
Reading the number line
From about the early 1970s until around 2001–2002, Random House first printings typically show 'First Edition' together with a number line whose lowest number is 2. Later printings drop the 'First Edition' statement. More recent books generally use a line starting at 1 with 'First Edition'.
What the edition statement means
This house generally printed a first-edition or first-printing statement on the first printing and removed or replaced it on later printings. A copy that lacks the statement, from a period when the house used one, is most likely a later printing.
Common pitfalls
- Applying the usual 'lowest number = 1' rule will wrongly call a true Random House first a second printing.
- Conversely, a '2' line without the 'First Edition' statement is usually a later printing, not a first.
- Book-club copies can reproduce the copyright page closely; check boards and jacket too.
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 Random House book is a first edition?
Random House is the classic trap for number-line readers: for roughly three decades its first printings carried a number line that began with 2, not 1. c. 1927 – 1970s: First printings generally carry a 'First Printing' or 'First Edition' statement on the copyright page; later printings drop it or state the printing. c. 1970s – c. 2001: 'First Edition' plus a number line with 2 as the lowest number indicates a first printing. A line with 2 as lowest but no 'First Edition' statement is normally a second printing. c. 2002 – present: Number lines generally begin at 1 alongside 'First Edition'. Check the date of the book carefully before applying either rule.
Does a Random House number line start at 1?
From about the early 1970s until around 2001–2002, Random House first printings typically show 'First Edition' together with a number line whose lowest number is 2. Later printings drop the 'First Edition' statement. More recent books generally use a line starting at 1 with 'First Edition'.
Does "First Edition" on a Random House copyright page guarantee a first printing?
This house generally printed a first-edition or first-printing statement on the first printing and removed or replaced it on later printings. A copy that lacks the statement, from a period when the house used one, is most likely a later printing.
How can I spot a Random House 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 Random House first editions?
Applying the usual 'lowest number = 1' rule will wrongly call a true Random House first a second printing. Conversely, a '2' line without the 'First Edition' statement is usually a later printing, not a first. Book-club copies can reproduce the copyright page closely; check boards and jacket too.
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 Random House book in front of you?