American publishers
Identifying Charles Scribner's Sons first editions
How Charles Scribner's Sons marked its first printings
Before c. 1930
No consistent statement. First printings are identified by matching title-page and copyright dates and by the absence of later-printing notices.
c. 1930 – c. 1970s
A capital 'A' on the copyright page (often with a printing code) generally indicates the first printing; later printings use other letters or omit it.
c. 1970s – present
Number lines (often split, e.g. '1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 / 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2'); the lowest number present is the printing.
Reading the number line
Where Charles Scribner'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
- Early Hemingway and Fitzgerald titles have specific textual and jacket points that the copyright page alone cannot confirm.
- Split number lines are easy to misread: find the lowest number anywhere in both halves.
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 Charles Scribner's Sons book is a first edition?
Scribner's famous 'A' code is the key point for mid-century books, including many Hemingway and Fitzgerald titles. Before c. 1930: No consistent statement. First printings are identified by matching title-page and copyright dates and by the absence of later-printing notices. c. 1930 – c. 1970s: A capital 'A' on the copyright page (often with a printing code) generally indicates the first printing; later printings use other letters or omit it. c. 1970s – present: Number lines (often split, e.g. '1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 / 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2'); the lowest number present is the printing.
Does a Charles Scribner's Sons number line start at 1?
Generally yes. When Charles Scribner'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 Charles Scribner'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 Charles Scribner'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 Charles Scribner's Sons first editions?
Early Hemingway and Fitzgerald titles have specific textual and jacket points that the copyright page alone cannot confirm. Split number lines are easy to misread: find the lowest number anywhere in both halves.
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
- Bill McBride, Points of Issue
Practice varied between imprints and over time; dates given are approximate. This is guidance, not an appraisal.
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